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Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners

Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick

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Top picks at a glance

  1. 1
    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    Best overall (unflavored)

    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    Protein 25 g · Carbs 0 g

  2. 2
    Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

    Best unflavored whey blend

    Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

    Protein 24 g · BCAAs 5.5 g

The most reliable way to avoid sucralose, acesulfame K and stevia is to buy unflavored protein and add your own flavor with fruit, cocoa or coffee. Isopure's unflavored whey isolate and Optimum Nutrition's unflavored Gold Standard are our picks. Flavored versions of most protein powders, including these, are sweetened, so make sure you buy the unflavored tub.

Our picks

  1. Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    #1Best overall (unflavored)

    Isopure Zero Carb Whey Isolate

    100% whey protein isolate with 25 g of protein and 0 g of carbs and sugar per serving. Choose the unflavored version for a powder with no sweetener at all.

    Protein 25 gCarbs 0 gAmazon Full facts →
  2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

    #2Best unflavored whey blend

    Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

    Gold Standard comes in an unflavored version alongside its many flavors. Whey isolate is the primary ingredient, with 24 g of protein per scoop.

    Protein 24 gBCAAs 5.5 gAmazon Full facts →
Amazon's live top 100 in Protein

What to look for

Read the whole ingredient list
Sweeteners appear under many names: sucralose, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), aspartame, stevia (steviol glycosides or Reb A), monk fruit (luo han guo) and sugar alcohols such as erythritol.
'Naturally sweetened' isn't sweetener-free
Stevia and monk fruit are often marketed as natural, but they're still sweeteners. If you want none, look for 'unflavored' or 'unsweetened' on the front of the tub.
Short ingredient lists
The simplest unflavored proteins list one or two ingredients, often the protein plus an emulsifier such as sunflower or soy lecithin to help it mix.
Flavor it yourself
Blend unflavored protein with banana, berries, cocoa powder, cinnamon or coffee. You control the sweetness and the sugar.

Frequently asked questions

Is protein powder better with milk or water?

Unflavored protein tastes mild and slightly milky. Milk masks it better and adds creaminess, while water keeps calories lowest. Many people prefer unflavored protein blended into a smoothie or stirred into yogurt or oats.

Can you mix creatine with protein powder?

Yes. Unflavored creatine and unflavored protein pair well, since neither adds sweetener or flavor. There's no known interaction between the two.

Is protein powder bad for your kidneys?

Research in healthy people hasn't shown that normal protein powder use harms the kidneys. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, talk to your doctor before adding protein powder, since you may need to limit protein.

Sources