Is Sugar Free Protein Powder Better?

Choosing the right protein powder can be overwhelming because there are just so many options on the market. The sugar-free kind has been getting more and more popular, which make sense because these days, we’re trying to make as many things sugar-free as possible. But is sugar-free protein really better for you?

In general – yes. The sugar-free options are made to help you meet your protein needs without adding extra sugar to your diet. But the benefits and potential downsides depend on things like your health goals and dietary preferences.

In this article, we’ll tell you all about sugar-free protein powder – why it’s good, what types exist, and how to choose one for yourself.

3 Sugar Free Protein Powder Benefits

✅ Convenience

One of the main reasons people opt to purchase a protein powder is for convenience. They provide high-quality sources of protein that are readily accessible and require no equipment and little time to make. 

With sugar-free protein powder versions, those who are looking to lose weight have a quick protein source that can be used on the go between meals or around their gym session.

With most people struggling to find enough time in the day, sugar-free protein shakes provide a convenient source of protein.

✅ Versatility

With a huge number of brands producing sugar-free protein powders containing different ingredient amounts and proportions, protein powders cater to a wide range of goals including muscle gain, weight loss and general health management.

Alongside this, most sugar-free protein powders are designed with different diet types in mind, such as gluten-free, keto, kosher, and vegan, making them suitable for a range of goals and diet types. 

✅ Weight Loss

Sugar-free protein powders are high in protein, high in fiber, and low in sugar. They make excellent choices for athletes of any level looking to lose weight for general health, aesthetics, or for sports competition and performance. 

Protein digests much slower than carbohydrates, meaning it helps to combat hunger by increasing satiety (feeling of fullness), keeping you fuller for longer, and preventing any unnecessary cravings when you’re trying to lose weight.

On top of this, the higher protein content usually found in sugar-free protein powders helps contribute to body recomposition when losing weight by providing protein that your body needs for muscle repair and muscle building. 

Who Needs Sugar Free Protein Powder? 

Sugar-free protein powders provide a big range of benefits that make them suitable for a wide range of beginner and high-level athletes and recreational gym goers with
different goals. They include:

• Athletes following a low carbohydrate/ Keto diet
• Those looking to lose weight and have strict macronutrient goals
• Those who like to mix protein powders with fruit or added sweeteners 
• You don’t like your protein shake to taste too sweet
• Recreational gym goers and athletes looking to reduce their sugar intake

How to Find the Best Sugar-Free Protein Powder?

When looking for the best protein powder with no sugar, make sure to bare these key points in mind:

1. Protein Type

• Whey Proteins

Whey protein comes from cow’s milk and is one of the most commonly used protein sources. It is regarded as one of the highest quality proteins in terms of amino acid composition.

The three main types of whey are whey isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate, which vary in quality. Whey isolate has undergone an extensive refinement process and is the highest quality whey with over 90%.

Whey concentrate undergoes less refinement and is regarded as lower quality, with around 80% protein content. Whey hydrolysate is a rapidly digesting whey version but is a lot more expensive. 

• Plant-based Proteins

Plant based proteins are considered lower quality due to their sub-optimal amino acid profile but provide excellent protein sources for different diet types and intolerances. Alongside a good diet, plant proteins can be used to get a complete amino acid profile. 

Tips From the Champ

Brands manufacturing plant-based protein powders often use a mixture of plant sources such as pea protein, rice protein, hemp protein, and soy protein in order to get a full amino acid profile.

Soy protein is an excellent source of vegan protein with a complete amino acid profile and contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

2. Added Ingredients

Sugar-free protein powders often contain multiple added ingredients that can have different positive or negative effects on your body depending on certain intolerances or conditions, meaning you need to check the label before purchasing.

Commonly added ingredients such as BCAAs, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are usually added to enhance the powder’s overall quality and can be a great addition in the right amounts. Ingredients commonly added to sugar-free protein powders also include probiotics and fiber, both of which help to support healthy digestion. 

Other ingredients such as sweeteners and flavorings can be harmful to health depending on certain allergy requirements. Make sure to check the nutrition label before purchasing and consuming the sugar-free protein powder. 

3. Taste / Mixability

Taste / mixability is a big consideration when choosing a protein powder with no sugar. With most options containing no added sweeteners, the taste can often be slightly bland and less compatible with common foods usually mixed in.

In terms of mixability, check to see if the protein powder contains any emulsifiers and anti-clumping agents, both of which help the powder to mix better.

4. Quality / Price

The ingredients in Sugar free protein shakes may be organic, non-GMO, tested by third parties, and produced under cGMP’s. Check the ingredient quality and compare it to the price before purchasing.

Recommended Protein

Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs

• Best For: Muscle Building, Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Chocolate peanut butter, Oatmeal chocolate сhip cookie, Milk chocolate, French vanilla, Peanut butter, Dark chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Peanut butter, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast, Unflavored
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Package Information: 2.28 lb/30 servings, 4 lb/55 servings
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 81-87%
• Protein: 28 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0-3 grams
• Fat: 0-1 gram
• Calories per serving: 120
• Serving Size: ~33 g
• Price per serving: from ~$1.8Company Founded: 2015
• Recommended by: Hafþór Björnsson, Terron Beckham, Paul Sklar

CHECK LATEST PRICE

The 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate from Transparent labs is one of the best protein sources you’ll find, containing no sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives. It features one of the highest % protein contents out of overall calories at 93% making it my top pick whey protein with no sugar.

Each 32.96-34.5 gram serving includes 28 grams of high-quality whey isolate. Transparent labs have sourced it from 100% grass-fed American cows that are hormone free.

It is low in both fats and carbohydrates, containing 0 grams of fat and 1-2 grams of carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto dieters, diabetics, and those looking to improve their health markers.

FAQs

Is There Any Sugar In Sugar Free Protein Powder?

Rather than containing absolutely no sugar, most sugar-free protein powders will contain negligible amounts of sugar that are added to the powders in such small amounts that they don’t have any meaningful effect on the body.

Whilst some protein powders contain 0 grams of sugar, the small amount in sugar-free options is still vastly reduced from the normal amount and is nothing to worry about.

Does Protein Powder Spike Blood Sugar?

In terms of digestibility, protein digests much slower compared to carbohydrates. Some protein powders also contain even slower digesting protein types such as micellar casein.

This means that the chance of blood sugar spikes is much lower with protein which also allows you to feel much fuller for longer, making protein powders an excellent option if you need to control your blood sugar.

Summary

Protein powders provide a convenient source of protein that’s easily accessible and can be stored away in your bag or at home. Sugar-free protein powders are an excellent option for athletes of any ability level looking to lose weight and improve their general health markers.

If you want one of the best options the market has to offer right now, go for Transparent Labs 100% grass fed whey protein isolate. It checks all the right boxers and I can’t see anyone regretting buying it.

Have you tried any low sugar protein powders? What do you think of them? Let’s discuss them down below and I’ll answer any questions you may have.

Also Read:

• Best Protein For Cutting
• Milk Protein vs Whey Protein
• Is Casein Better Than Whey

References:

1. What is Diabetes? // Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/about/index.html
2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRASS-FED AND GRASS-FINISHED BEEF? // Verdefarms: https://www.verdefarms.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-grass-fed-and-grass-finished-beef/
3. The sweet danger of sugar // Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar
4. What Is Plant-Based Protein? // Birdseye: https://www.birdseye.co.uk/nutrition/nutrients-and-minerals/what-is-plant-based-protein
5. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team