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.
With years of fitness experience, I teamed up with a nutritionist to carefully select and test stevia-free protein powders, based on quality, flavor, and ingredients.
Keep reading and discover a blend that satisfies both taste preferences and nutritional needs, helping you redefine your supplement experience.
The Best Stevia-Free Protein Powders
- Best Overall Stevia-Free Protein Powder: Aloha Organic Protein Powder
- Cheapest Protein Powder Without Stevia: Now Sports Pea Protein
- Best Tasting Protein Without Stevia: Nuzest Premium Protein Powder
- Best Stevia-Free Protein Powder for Vegans: Vega One Nutritional Shake
- Best Stevia-Free Powder High in Protein: Naked Pea Protein Powder
- Best Organic Protein Powder Without Stevia: Aloha Organic Protein Powder
7 Best Stevia-Free Protein Powder Recommendations (December 2024)
1 - Aloha Organic Based Protein Powder (Best Overall & Organic)
- Price per serving : $1.78
- Key ingredients : Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Hemp Seed Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein
- All flavors : Vanilla
- Third-party tested : No specific mention
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive but within a reasonable framework
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those following a keto or vegan diet
- Looking for 100% organic ingredients
Who is it not for?
- Budget-conscious buyers
Final Verdict
Aloha Organic Protein Powder is perfect for those who prioritize organic and vegan-friendly ingredients. It is slightly expensive, but its benefits for weight management and taste make it a top choice.
Aloha Organic Based Protein Powder is the top-recommended stevia-free protein powder because of its 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 and free from soy, gluten, dairy, and non-GMO.
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 that back up these benefits [1],[2].
Product Facts:
2 - Naked Pea Protein Powder (Best Protein-Rich)
- Price per serving : $1.25
- Key ingredients : Yellow Pea Protein
- All flavors : Unflavored
- Third-party tested : No specific mention
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- It isn't the best tasting product
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Plant-based diet adherents
- Seekers of high protein content with minimal additives
Who is it not for?
- Those who prioritize taste
Final Verdict
Naked Pea Protein Powder is ideal for those who need a high-protein, low-fat option with clean ingredients. Its taste might be plain, but its nutritional value compensates.
I’ve been using Naked Pea Protein Powder for a while now, and it’s become a staple in my post-workout recovery. As someone committed to a plant-based lifestyle, finding a protein powder that aligns with my values and dietary restrictions was crucial.
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.
Product Facts:
3 - Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake (Best for Vegans)
- Price per serving : $2.89
- Key ingredients : Pea Protein, Hemp Protein, Sacha Inchi Protein, Flaxseed
- All flavors : Chocolate, Berry, Coconut Almond, French Vanilla
- Third-party tested : No specific mention
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has probiotics to promote better digestion
- Packed with a variety of fruits and vegetables for nutrition
- One of the best tasting vegan protein powders
Cons
- A bit pricey, but getting a larger tub drops the price significantly
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Vegans needing a meal replacement
- Those seeking added nutrients like probiotics and antioxidants
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for the cheapest option
Final Verdict
Vega One offers a nutritious shake that doubles as a meal replacement, packed with fruits and vegetables. It's a bit pricey, but its comprehensive nutrient profile justifies the cost.
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].
Product Facts:
4 - Nuzest Premium Protein Powder (Most Delicious)
- Price per serving : $2.14
- Key ingredients : Pea Protein, Vanilla Bean Extract, Thaumatin
- All flavors : Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee, Mocha, Wild Strawberry, Rich Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, Real Coffee, Sweet Vanilla, Chai Turmeric + Maca
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Vegan, but contains all the amino acids
- Has relatively high protein content that's easy to digest
- Tastes delicious and has a smooth texture
Cons
- It’s quite expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those who prefer a delicious taste
- Vegans looking for a full amino acid profile
Who is it not for?
- Budget shoppers
Final Verdict
Nuzest Premium Protein Powder offers a great taste and a high-quality, easily digestible protein from European golden peas. It’s an expensive option, but excellent for nutrition and flavor.
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.
The natural vanilla flavor tastes great, has no weird aftertaste, and it's a smooth-textured protein shake, based on first hand experience.
Product Facts:
5 - Health Warrior Superfood Protein Powder
- Price per serving : $2.00
- Key ingredients : Pumpkin Seed Protein, Hemp Seed Protein, Chia Seed Protein, Flaxseed
- All flavors : Chocolate, Vanilla
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- It has a chalky taste
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Individuals focused on gut health
- Those preferring natural sweeteners
Who is it not for?
- Taste-sensitive individuals
Final Verdict
Health Warrior Superfood Protein Powder is beneficial for those looking to enhance gut health with prebiotics and probiotics. Its flavor may be less appealing, but its health benefits are significant.
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].
I loved its chocolate flavor. Though some users noticed a chalky aftertaste, I found it pretty tolerable.
Product Facts:
6 - Now Sports Pea Protein (Cheapest Option)
- Price per serving : $0.90
- Key ingredients : Pea Protein Isolate
- All flavors : Unflavored
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- It doesn't taste good but adding frozen fruits makes it palatable
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing a simple protein boost
- Budget-conscious consumers
Who is it not for?
- Those who dislike bland tastes
Final Verdict
Now Sports Pea Protein is a cost-effective choice providing a straightforward protein boost without frills. Its taste isn't great, but it is a practical option for those on a budget.
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:
7 - Natreve 100% Vegan Protein Powder
- Price per serving : $1.20
- Key ingredients : Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein, Flaxseed, Coconut, Chia Seeds
- All flavors : Unflavored, French Vanilla Wafer Sundae, Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter Parfait, Strawberry Shortcake
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- One of the most expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Vegans seeking high protein intake
- Those interested in additional greens and vitamins
Who is it not for?
- Price-sensitive buyers
Final Verdict
Natreve 100% Vegan Protein Powder is packed with protein and beneficial greens, making it ideal for those seeking comprehensive nutrition. Though pricey, its quality and taste may be worth the expense.
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.
We liked that, 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.
Product Facts:
How We Tested the Best Stevia-Free Protein Powders
- Dosage: The effectiveness of a protein powder is significantly influenced by its dosage. We prioritized products with ingredients dosed sufficiently, as backed by scientific research, to ensure they deliver the promised benefits.
- Real-World Testing: We also considered real-world user feedback and reviews to understand the effectiveness, taste, mixability, and overall experience of using each stevia-free protein powder. This hands-on approach ensured that our recommendations are not only theoretically sound but also proven in practical scenarios.
- Ingredients: We scrutinized the list of ingredients in each product, giving preference to those containing well-researched and proven components. Products containing patented versions of ingredients, which often indicate higher quality and effectiveness, were awarded higher placements.
- Price: We evaluated the cost per serving of each stevia-free protein powder, ensuring that the products offer value for money while containing high-quality ingredients. Our selection includes products that fall within a reasonable price range, balancing cost and quality.
Buyer's Guide for the Best Stevia-Free Protein Powders
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 are 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.
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 Verdict on the Best Stevia-Free Protein Powders
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 (Best Overall & Organic)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- 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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