Although stevia is considered a natural sweetener, some people experience minor side effects while others are repulsed by its bitter taste.
Luckily, there are plenty of stevia-free protein powders out there, but choosing the best one can be a little confusing.
Drawing from my years of experience in the fitness realm, I collaborated with a seasoned nutritionist. Together, we handpicked and rigorously tested various stevia-free protein powders to bring you the best options that cater to diverse needs.
We've evaluated them based on several criteria, including protein quality, flavor, and ingredients. Let’s begin.
7 Best Stevia-Free Protein Powder Recommendations (September 2023)
1 - Aloha Organic Based Protein Powder (Editor's Choice)
Aloha Organic Based Protein Powder is the top-recommended stevia-free protein powder because of the protein quality, ingredients, and taste.
It's a protein powder made from plant-based ingredients sourced from organic pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, organic brown rice protein, and hemp protein.
This vegan protein is clean, free from soy, gluten, dairy, and non-GMO. Those who follow a keto diet will also find this protein powder an excellent choice because it's low in carbs, based on my own experience.
I've personally experienced the benefits of medium-chain fatty acids from coconut in this protein powder. Not only did it promote weight loss for me, but it also provided an immediate boost in energy. For those interested, I've found studies [1,2] that back up these benefits.
Product Facts:
- Calories : 130
- Protein : 18g
- Fat : 3g
- Carbs : 9g
- 100% organic stevia-free protein powder
- Has medium-chain fatty acids that promote weight loss
- It tastes great, has a smooth texture, and blends easily
- Perfect for those following a keto or vegan diet
- It’s a bit expensive but within a reasonable framework
2 - Naked Pea Protein Powder
Naked Pea Protein Powder is an excellent protein powder for those looking to increase their muscle gains with plant-based products.
The first thing you will like about Naked Pea Protein Powder is pea protein isolate from yellow split peas. This protein powder is perfect for those looking for pure plant-based powder.
From my personal workouts and recovery sessions, I've noticed a significant difference when using this protein powder. The 27g of protein and 5.7g of BCAAs per serving played a pivotal role in my muscle recovery and gains, ensuring I was ready for my next session.
Naked Pea Protein Powder is also free from artificial ingredients and sweeteners, soy, dairy, gluten, and non-GMO.
However, it doesn’t taste good like most protein powders with no added natural flavors or sweeteners. I've tried mixing fruits, and it helped improve the taste.
Product Facts:
- Calories : 120
- Protein : 27g
- Fat : 0.5g
- Carbs : 2g
- Simplistic list of ingredients perfect for those looking for clean, lean protein
- Low fat, carbs, and sugar to support your low-calorie diet
- Higher protein content per serving compared to typical protein powders
- It isn't the best tasting product
3 - Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake
Having tried Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake myself, I can vouch for its rich content of macro-and micronutrients. It served as an effective meal replacement for me during my busy days, keeping me energized and full.
It is certified USDA organic, one of the few plant-based powders made from various whole foods—fruits and vegetables. It claims to provide 50% of your multivitamin needs plus antioxidants to keep our immune system strong [3].
Vega One All-In-One protein shake promotes gut health because of its high fiber content and probiotics.
There is a lot of positive feedback about his taste, which I can confirm. This protein supplement helped satisfy my hunger for longer, and I enjoyed its natural flavor.
Product Facts:
- Calories : 120
- Protein : 20g
- Fat : 2.5g
- Carbs : 7g
- Has probiotics to promote better digestion
- Packed with a variety of fruits and vegetables for nutrition
- One of the best tasting vegan protein powders
- A bit pricey, but getting a larger tub drops the price significantly
4 - Nuzest Premium Protein Powder
Nuzest is one of the most unique and high-quality protein powders because it's sourced from European golden peas.
I like Nuzest Premium Protein Powder for its vegan ingredients, easily digestible pea protein isolate, and natural flavors. It's minimally processed, so you're getting clean, lean protein here.
This protein has a full amino acid profile (contains all nine essential amino acids) and has generous amounts of iron, vital for boosting oxygen levels.
It’s also one of a few protein powders using thaumatin as its natural sweetener, which is low-calorie yet a lot sweeter than stevia. The natural vanilla flavor tastes great, has no weird aftertaste, and it's a smooth-textured protein shake, based on first hand experience.
The only drawback is the price, but it's pretty reasonable when considering its protein source and process.
Product Facts:
- Calories : 100
- Protein : 20g
- Fat : 2g
- Carbs : 1g
- Vegan, but contains all the amino acids
- Has relatively high protein content that's easy to digest
- Tastes delicious and has a smooth texture
- It’s quite expensive
5 - Health Warrior Superfood Protein Powder
Health Warrior Superfood Protein Powder is another top-quality protein sweetened with monk fruit extract instead of stevia extract.
Its protein blend comes from seeds, including hemp, pumpkin, chia, and flax seeds. Seeds have high nutritional content; chia seeds, for example, contain Omega-3s and antioxidants, helping reduce the risk of heart disease [4].
This protein powder is also perfect for those on a vegetarian and vegan diet. If you're looking for a protein powder that'll help promote healthy digestion, Health Warrior Superfood might work well with you because it's packed with pre-and probiotics.
I loved its chocolate flavor. Though some users noticed a chalky aftertaste, I found it pretty tolerable.
Product Facts:
- Calories : 120
- Protein : 20g
- Fat : 1g
- Carbs : 8g
- It contains prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber for a healthy gut
- Free from soy, gluten, sugar alcohols, and non-GMO
- It uses monk fruit extract as its natural sweetener
- It has a chalky taste
6 - Now Sports Pea Protein
If you want unflavored, pure pea protein isolate, Now Sports Pea Protein can be an excellent choice for you.
It’s easier to digest pea protein than whey protein, and it has a complete amino acid profile.
It also has 4.2g of BCAAs that helps speed up muscle recovery and 2g of Arginine, which allows the body to build more protein.
This protein powder comes from yellow pea protein isolate and is unsweetened and unflavored, so as you might know, its taste can be off-putting. But, mixing it with protein shakes, smoothies, and other recipes makes it palatable, based on my own experience.
Product Facts:
- Calories : 120
- Protein : 24g
- Fat : 2g
- Carbs : 1g
- Has 4.2g BCAAs and 2g Arginine to help the body build protein
- Relatively high protein content, low in fat and carbs
- Easily digestible protein
- It doesn't taste good but adding frozen fruits makes it palatable
7 - Natreve 100% Vegan Protein Powder
Natreve 100% Vegan Protein Powder is sourced from high-protein grains and seeds, including organic pea protein, organic pumpkin seed, and organic brown rice protein.
Besides the high amount of 25 grams of protein per serving, it also has beneficial ingredients, such as organic greens and probiotics. It's free from gluten, and it’s non-GMO.
This plant protein is naturally sweetened with monk fruit extract. The chocolate flavor tastes good, without the weird aftertaste. It also mixes well with my smoothies.
It doesn't contain soy, but it's manufactured in a facility processing these kinds of allergens.
Product Facts:
- Calories : 130
- Protein : 25g
- Fat : 2g
- Carbs : 3g
- It contains a decent amount of vegan protein with high amino acid profile
- High in iron that’s beneficial for carrying enough oxygen to your body
- Packed with a variety of greens, fiber, and other vitamins
- One of the most expensive
Buyer's Guide
To achieve your desired goals and get the most value from your money, here is a list of factors you may want to consider when picking your protein powder.
1. Type of Protein
Getting enough protein when you're on a plant-based diet can be challenging. Though it's possible to meet your protein needs through eating plant proteins, supplementing with vegan protein powders may help you get extra protein.
So, here are three of the most commonly used high-protein plant sources for vegans.
Pea Protein
Many vegan protein powders are sourced from yellow pea protein because it's easier on the stomach than whey protein and offers generous amounts of fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Pea protein isolate is one of the great protein sources known to help increase muscle mass, increase satiety, and improve heart health [5,6,7].
"Pea protein is a clean, lean protein source, and protein slows digestion which keeps you fuller longer. Pea protein is also higher in fiber which supports weight loss by keeping you fuller longer and improving gastrointestinal health."
- Kaylee Jacks, Sports Nutritionist at Texas Health Sports Medicine
Hemp Protein
Hemp seed protein has all the needed amino acids, making it an excellent protein source for protein powders. Hemp seed is also high in nutritional content, including fiber, minerals like iron and zinc, and antioxidants [8].
On top of that, it contains a healthy 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve heart health [9].
Soy Protein
Many vegan protein powders are also sourced from soy. Besides protein, soy provides micronutrients like iron, phosphorus, and manganese [10].
However, this plant-protein source is an outlier because some people have sensitivity to soy protein.
2. Personal Goals
Whether to maintain optimal health or achieve fitness goals, here’s how to pick the protein powder that works well for you.
Weight Loss
If you aim to lose weight, opt for protein powders that are high in protein and fiber and low in carbohydrates because these are protein powders that:
- Help control hunger signals
- Keep you feeling full for longer
- Prevent sugar highs and crashes
Also, avoid protein powders with added sugar because they may be counterproductive and cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Muscle Building
Protein powders with high bioavailability may be best for muscle growth. High bioavailable proteins mean the body can absorb them well and utilize them to make more proteins.
Protein powders high in BCAAs can also be a good choice because BCAAs prevent muscle breakdown and act as fuel during exercise, helping you put in more effort than average.
Cutting Sugar Intake
Artificial sweeteners are considered a safe option for cutting back sugar compared to regular table sugar. It's because they add no calories to your diet and do not cause spikes in sugar levels.
But, if you prefer natural sweeteners, look for stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract, coconut sugar, and thaumatin [11].
Lactose Intolerance
Whey is one of the complete protein sources, but some people have an allergic reaction to milk and other dairy products. It may be best to opt for plant-based powders as they are sourced from plants and typically free from dairy and other allergens.
3. Check the Sweetener Used and Other Ingredients
Some protein powders label their products "sugar-free," but they may contain high amounts of alternative sweeteners, which may cause stomach upset.
So, it’s crucial always to read the label.
If you want to control the sweetness or flavor of your protein shakes, you may opt for an unflavored and unsweetened protein powder.
Adding natural vanilla flavor or organic cacao powder to unflavored protein makes a lot of difference to its taste.
4. Compare the Dosage
Your protein needs depend on your age, fitness level, physical activity, and goals.
The suggested dietary allowance of protein for a healthy person is 0.8g protein per kilogram daily body weight.
On the other hand, a dietary protein intake of 1.0-1.6g protein per kilogram of body weight daily is recommended for active people who aim to increase their muscle gains [12].
See our other protein powder reviews:
FAQs
Do Protein Powders Contain Stevia?
Yes, many protein powders contain stevia, a non-nutritive sweetener with little to no calories. They are often used because they are low-calorie, do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels, and are sweeter than regular sugar.
Is Stevia Bad for You in Protein Powder?
Stevia isn't bad for you, even when it's in a protein powder. It's considered a safe sweetener. However, some people find it bitter while others find it too sweet.
What Are the Side Effects of Stevia?
The side effects of stevia are bloating and nausea, but this usually happens to people sensitive to this ingredient. Cases of people with a stevia allergy are low.
Our Recommended #1 Product
Based on my research, testing, and consultation with nutritionists, I recommend Aloha Organic Based Protein Powder as a top choice for stevia-free protein powder.
I love its clean and 100% organic ingredients, sourced from various high-protein grains and seeds, providing our body with a complete amino acid profile.
It also has beneficial ingredients for weight loss and primary energy sources, like medium-chain fatty acids.
This protein powder is also vegan and one of the best-tasting powders that do not use stevia.
So, if you're searching for a protein powder with quality protein, clean ingredients, and delightful taste, I recommend you give this protein powder a try.
Our #1 Recommendation
Aloha Organic Based Protein Powder
- 100% organic stevia-free protein powder
- Has medium-chain fatty acids that promote weight loss
- It tastes great, has a smooth texture, and blends easily
- Perfect for those following a keto or vegan diet
- It’s a bit expensive but within a reasonable framework
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