7 Best Sugar-Free Protein Powder Brands [Updated 2023]
7 Protein Powders Reviewed
84 Hours of Research
78 Reviews Examined
3 Experts Interviewed
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
Table of Contents
According to the National Center for Health Research, many protein powder brands contain as much as 23 grams of sugar. This amount can undermine the health benefits and cause undesirable side effects. Sugar-free protein powder offers all the remarkable benefits of customary protein powders without the negative effects of added sugar. (1)
Numerous sugarless brands are in the market, promising the best results without compromising your blood sugar. So it takes work to make an informed choice. Fortunately, this article will guide your powder picking, covering sugar-free protein powder benefits, the best brands, and how to choose the right product.
What Is Sugar-Free Protein Powder?
In essence, sugar-free protein powder is a reliable supplement providing the typical benefits of protein without the added sugar that mostly features in traditional protein powders. As a result, users consider it a healthier alternative for promoting muscle growth, recovery, and overall fitness.
Besides their restricted calorie content, sugar-free protein powders supply your body with the necessary nutrients to build muscle. According to the USDA, a scoop of whey powder (equivalent to 19.5 grams) contains (but isn’t limited to) the following vital components:
- Fat – 1g
- Calories – 75
- Sodium – 75mg
- Fiber – 0g
- Carbohydrates – 3.5g
- Sugars – 1g
- Protein – 13g
Research findings also show that protein supplementation can have a satiating effect, suppressing your appetite and regulating cravings and hunger. So you can incorporate the product into your weight loss program. (2)
Enjoying protein powder without consuming 1g or more of sugar can help you healthily achieve muscle growth.
Most manufacturers create powders out of quality, natural ingredients. So the supplement is easy for your body to digest and absorb. These protein powders are tremendously versatile and can be part of almost any recipe.
Notably, most sugar-free protein brands will claim to have ditched sugar, but you can never be too sure. You should review the label and ingredient list to ascertain whether the product you’re considering is truly sugar-free, contains a tiny percentage, or is filled with the sweet stuff.
An Overview of the Seven Best Sugar-Free Protein Powder Brands
So which products should top your priority list? Let’s jump straight into it!
Hemp Yeah!
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
100% Grass-Fed
Ingredient Quality
Price
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100% Plant Protein
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
1. Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Powder
Hemp Yeah! Sugar-free protein powder was the idea of Canada’s Manitoba Harvest Corporation. This plant-based supplement packs a potent notational punch, comprising 20 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber. The composition is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, sportspersons, or anyone seeking to upgrade their protein consumption.
The brand’s uniqueness lies in its primary protein source, hemp, a complete protein able to nourish our bodies with the nine vital amino acids:
- Ethionine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Tryptophan
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
- Threonine
Other ingredients include organic coconut carbs and cocoa powder. In addition, your daily dosage will consist of minerals like iron, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. As you’d expect, there are no sweeteners (artificial or natural), colors, or flavors to worry about.
Pros
- Tastes great in vast recipes.
- A nutritionally dense product packed with protein and valuable minerals.
- Its cost per serving is relatively affordable.
Cons
- Little to no fiber content.
2. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate 100% Grass Fed
This whey protein supplement is the brainchild of Transparent Labs, a company that produces quality nutrition supplements for sports enthusiasts. The manufacturer designed the product to provide a fast-absorbing source of quality protein to support muscle development and recovery after a workout.
It has no additives, whether sweeteners, preservers, or food color, making it a healthy, clean choice. With an impressive 93% protein content, it’s many people’s go-to pick for whey protein without added sugar. In addition, each serving of 32.96g – 34.5g contains a whopping 28 grams of fine whey isolate, making it the protein powerhouse of our top seven choices.
Transparent Labs obtains the whey from hormone-free, 100% grass-fed cows to ensure product quality. It also has a low fat and carbs percentage, comprising zero grams of fat and only one to two grams of carbs. It’s recommended if you’re on a keto diet, treating diabetes, or seeking to enhance your overall health.
The manufacturer offers this valuable protein powder in seven appealing flavors, so you can choose one that suits your tastes. What’s more, the product comes in a two-lb pack, giving you even more options.
Pros
- 28 grams of high-quality protein per serving
- It comprises whey protein isolate, a complete protein supply
- Free of coloring, gluten, sweeteners, or preservatives
- The protein is fast absorbing, aiding faster muscle development and recovery.
Cons
- It is not vegan or vegetarian friendly
- The product contains potential allergens like dairy.
3. USN 100% Plant Protein, Vanilla Maple
Indulge in the lip-smacking vanilla maple flavor with this quality plant-based protein powder with incredibly low sugar content. The Plant Protein Vanilla Maple by Ultimate Sports Nutrition is a perfect treat for health-conscious individuals.
The manufacturer formulated USN 100% Plant Protein as a high-quality nourishment for anyone on a plant-based diet or if you just prefer plant-based protein. The powder is an assortment of rice protein concentrate, pea protein isolate, hemp protein, and quinoa flour.
A 30-gram serving of USN 100% Plant Protein Vanilla Maple nourishes you with 3.2g of carbs (with 0.1g of sugars), 26g of protein, and 0.5g of fiber. This unique combination also has all the essential amino acids to support your muscles.
It’s free from additives and allergens, so you’ll always feel good about what you’re putting into your body.
The potential pros and setbacks of using USN 100% Plant Protein Vanilla Maple include the following:
Pros
- The product contains plant components
- USN 100% Plant Protein presents a lower risk of dairy intolerance
- The manufacturer extracts the protein from quality plant-based sources
- The product comes in different flavors
- It's low in carbs and fat.
Cons
- USN 100% Plant Protein is relatively costly
- The product may contain allergens like gluten or soy.
4. Tropeaka Lean Protein Powder Vanilla
Lean Protein Powder Vanilla is a plant-based protein powder supplement that provides a high-quality source of protein to enable muscle development and facilitate muscle recovery. It is manufactured by one of the leading health and wellness product manufacturers, Tropeaka.
Tropeaka extracts the supplement’s protein from a blend of pea, brown rice, and pumpkin seed, creating a complete amino acid profile. The product is also gluten, dairy, and soy-free, hence suitable if you have dietary restrictions or intolerances.
A single serving of Tropeaka Lean Protein Powder Vanilla contains 22 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and a gram of fat. This composition makes it an incredible low-carb and low-fat option to supplement your protein intake. You’ll feel fuller for longer and experience fewer cravings.
The manufacturer uses a natural sweetener, stevia, to achieve the product’s distinct taste. In addition, the protein powder comes in multiple flavors, including salted caramel, chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Whether you’re a hardened vegan or want to integrate more plant-based protein into your regimen, Tropeaka Lean Protein Powder is a superior selection.
Pros
- It tastes delicious
- The protein comes from plants, hence ideal for vegans and vegetarians seeking to tone their muscles and gain lean muscle
- Its natural protein blend forms a complete amino acid profile
- The manufacturer used natural sweeteners.
Cons
- It's among the most expensive options in this review
5. Live Conscious Organic Protein Powder
Live Conscious Organic Protein Powder wouldn’t miss out on this review. The manufacturer, Live Conscious, uses an advanced formula to create this reliable plant-based and sugar-free protein supplement. The company designed the product to get you to your peak potential with your desired health goals.
It comprises a pea, brown rice, and hemp mishmash, providing a full amino acid profile. This certified organic product guarantees no artificial fertilizers, insecticides, or other toxic ingredients.
One serving of Live Conscious Organic Protein Powder contains 20g of protein, 3g of carbs, and a gram of fat, an impressive low-carb and low-fat alternative to supplement your protein intake.
Besides its great protein content, this supplement contains a blend of digestive enzymes that facilitate optimal nutrient digestion and absorption and gut health-enabling prebiotics. Additionally, the product is free from gluten, milk products, soy, and synthetic elements, hence suitable if you’re prone to allergies or intolerance.
The product contains the natural sweetener stevia. Users can choose from multiple tastes, including vanilla, chocolate, and berry flavors.
Pros
- It has organic and plant-based components
- It nourishes your body with helpful digestive enzymes and prebiotics
- Artificial sugar, flavor, and colorant-free
- Easily digestible with a full amino acid profile
- Low carb and fat concentration
Cons
- Protein per serving is relatively lower
- Some users find it too sweet
6. Raw Organic Plant Protein Unflavored Powder
A product from Florida’s Garden of Life, a health and wellness company, the unflavored Raw Organic Plant Protein is another great pick if you’re into ethical protein supplements.
The plant-based powder contains a well-rounded blend of sprouted organic cereals and legumes, carefully selected to achieve the ideal amino acid profile. It’s also unflavored and easily digestible, making it a versatile option for users who combine their supplements with other recipes.
Each serving of this low-fat, sugarless combination delivers a whopping 22 grams of protein. You can count on this powder for muscle growth support, increased energy levels, and improved overall health and wellness.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Plant Protein Unflavored Powder is an excellent choice to support your health and well-being with a high-quality, plant-based protein source.
Pros
- It contains a thought-out blend of sprouted organic grains, seeds, and legumes to maximize digestibility
- Each serving delivers sufficient amino acids for muscle growth and repair
- No allergens like gluten, dairy, and soy triggering your allergies
- Certified organic protein source
- Sustainably sourced ingredients
- It contains no added sugars, fillers, or artificial ingredients
Cons
- The formula doesn't mix well; some users report gritty or clumping smoothies and shakes.
7. Nutiva Hemp Protein
Nutiva Hemp Protein is a quality, plant-based protein supplement from California’s health food company, Nutiva. Each serving has a 15-gram protein supply. In addition, you’ll get 8g of fiber and 2.5g of useful omega-3 fatty acids.
The powder is made from organic hemp seeds, a rich generator of vital amino acids. These seeds can supply you with all nine key amino acids.
Hemp protein is also easily digestible, so you won’t experience any complications, even if you regularly encounter digestive sensitivities and complications. The plant is sustainable and eco-friendly, requiring less water and land than other protein sources.
The Hemp Protein by Nutiva is non-GMO, certified organic, and vegan, guaranteeing excellent quality and ingredient sustainability. You also don’t have to worry about allergens. Furthermore, the powder has a trivial, nutty essence that blends well with other recipes.
Pros
- A relatively easy-to-use product
- Budget-friendly cost per serving
- Easily digestible with faster results for muscle development and recovery
- Sustainable amino acid, fatty acid, and source
- Suitable for a high-fiber diet
- Zero additives or flavors
- Totally organic
Cons
- Relatively fewer supporting materials than other organic hemp varieties
- The product has a strong natural flavor that some people may find unappealing
What to Consider When Shopping for a Sugar-Free Protein Powder
The above review covers some of the most reputable protein powders with no sugar. But how do you ultimately get yourself the right supplement for your needs?
- First, verifying the protein source is important as it helps you ascertain its quality. A rule of thumb is always to check whether the product contains all the nine amino acids vital for muscle growth. (3)
- You’ll want to check its allergen content, especially if you have known allergies or dietary limitations.
- You should compare the product’s nutritional value with your overall weight loss goals, personal preferences, and needs.
- If you’re on a budget, compare the respective brands’ prices.
- Check out online reviews. This will give you insight into what kind of experience to expect with a sugar-free protein powder.
Conclusion
The benefits of sugar-free protein powder are immense. However, not all manufacturers are upfront about their product’s sugar content. Our seven reviewed products give you insight into the best sugar-free powders in the market.
Remember to read the product ingredient and nutritional value before any purchase. Protein powders are not replacements for meals but a supplement.
Click to learn the Best Protein Powders for Building Muscle.
David Williams
A diet and fitness enthusiast, David is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
References
- Protein powders may be doing more harm than good. National Center for Health Research. (2018, December 12). https://www.center4research.org/protein-powders-more-harm-than-good/#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20the%20American%20Heart,of%20added%20sugar%20per%20scoop.&text=Others%20contain%20artificial%20sweeteners%20like,be%20harmful%20in%20large%20quantities.
- V;, P. S. R.-B. S. H. M. E. (n.d.). Comparative effects of whey and casein proteins on satiety in overweight and obese individuals: A randomized controlled trial. European journal of clinical nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24801369/
Kubala, J. (2023, February 6). Essential amino acids: Definition, benefits and food sources. Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/essential-amino-acids
