Try These Recommended Vegan Protein Powders without Stevia
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Stevia may be a zero-calorie, diabetic-friendly sweetening alternative to sugar.[1] But, it’s not for everyone.
For many consumers, stevia is simply a no-go. It can have a very distinct taste (or aftertaste) that’s often described as overpowering, overwhelming, or chemical-ly.
I’ve heard many reports about stevia having a lingering aftertaste that’s rather unpleasant. It’s quite evident there’s a high demand for stevia-free protein powders.
The challenge is finding the best ones. Having tried nearly every vegan protein powder without stevia, I’ve narrowed it down to these favorites.
1. Orgain Simple Protein Powder
Orgain Simple Protein lives up to its name as one of the cleanest, stevia-free protein powders on the market. It does not contain any artificial ingredients, gums, thickeners, or fillers. It’s also completely organic and non-GMO, and it’s also free of gluten and soy. It does contain “natural flavors,” which can be somewhat vague and suspicious to picky customers, but this one product we love for its minimal ingredients and great taste.
Orgain Simple Protein is available in three flavors, Creamy Chocolate, Creamy Vanilla, and Peanut Butter. It’s mildly sweetened using organic coconut sugar and has a delicious, smooth taste. It’s also highly accessible, as you can find in most large grocery stores and a number of places online.
See the full Orgain protein review of this product or buy it now on Amazon.
2. PlantFusion Complete Protein Natural No-Stevia
Added to PlantFusion Complete Protein’s line-up by popular demand, the Natural No-Stevia option is one of the best of its kind. With a pleasant, neutral taste that is free of any flavors, this mostly unflavored vegan protein powder is a great option for smoothies, baked goods, and other dishes where a transparent flavor profile is preferred.
And for those who are sensitive to artificial flavors or just simply desire a vegan protein powder without Stevia, PlantFusion Complete Protein Natural No-Stevia is a huge win we highly recommend. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse with a high concentration of amino acids.
Read our full review on this product or take my word for it and buy it on Amazon.
3. Sunwarrior Classic Plus Unflavored Protein
Perhaps one of the best stevia-free protein powders I’ve had, Sunwarrior Classic Plus Unflavored is very smooth and transparent tasting. It’s practically 100% flavorless (in a good way,) so it makes for stealth inclusion in all sorts of smoothies or shakes (retaining its “natural” flavor profile.)
Sunwarrior Classic Plus Unflavored is very refined and floury, so it blends well into just about anything. Ideal for fruit-forward smoothies where there are already a lot of flavors, the Unflavored option is virtually undetectable. When it comes to the natural-flavored vegan protein powders, this one was one of the best I’ve reviewed.
Read our full review on this protein powder or get it on Amazon.
4. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Unflavored No-Stevia
Garden of Life Raw Protein Unflavored is a fantastic option in the category of transparent, natural-tasting vegan protein powders without stevia. It’s not sweet, nor is there much taste to speak of. But it’s very smooth and virtually undetectable when added to a smoothie or incorporated into a recipe. In essence, I found this option to be one of the most transparent and versatile in its class.
Also, if you’re looking for a weight-loss-friendly vegan protein powder with no stevia, then this is a good option worth trying. Like Garden of Life RAW Fit protein powder that has metabolism-boosting ingredients, it’s nutritionally dense, low in calories, and isn’t sweet (so it won’t trigger your taste buds into wanting more.)
Read the full review on this protein powder or buy it now on Amazon.
5. GHOST Vegan Protein
As a rising star in the plant-based protein space, GHOST is an edgy brand that makes a vegan protein powder without stevia. Instead, it’s sweetened with sucralose and contains zero sugar, making it a keto protein powder. and it comes in a variety of delicious flavors Peanut Butter Cereal Milk, Chocolate Cereal Milk, Pancake Batter, and Banana Pancake Batter.
GHOST’s vegan protein blend is comprised of pea protein, pumpkin protein, and watermelon seed protein. Don’t be misled by the word “creamer” in the ingredients, as this is made from Sunflower Oil, Tapioca Starch, and a couple of other ingredients to help improve the texture and flavor of the product (Orgain uses something similar).
Well-reviewed for its good test, GHOST Vegan Protein is worth a look. It’s usually priced around $44.99 but can be on sale if you check Amazon.
6. Amazing Grass Protein Superfood Original
With less than 1 gram of sugar and no stevia, you’d think Amazing Grass Protein Superfood Original would be quite bland and gritty. Au contraire, the Original flavor is one of the most smooth and delicious, au natural vegan protein powders I’ve tasted.
Right up there with Sunwarrior Classic Plus Natural (but perhaps even better tasting), Amazing Grass Superfood Protein Original is a universally-applicable option that doesn’t over-power or over-flavor your smoothie. It’s slightly earthy on its own with just milk, so I highly suggest mixing it with something.
But what I enjoy about this flavor is that it tastes more real and authentic (doesn’t try to cover up earthiness with stevia.) You definitely taste the vegetables, but they’re subtle and smooth. I found it to be a great addition to my avocado, spinach, and peach smoothie.
Read our full review on this protein product or buy it on Amazon.
7. Naked Pea Vanilla Protein Powder
Naked Pea is a popular plant-based protein powder that’s preferred for its minimalism. Containing just three ingredients (yellow pea protein, organic coconut sugar, and organic cacao powder), it’s a simple, stevia-free protein powder worth considering.
Keep in mind that Naked Pea Protein Powder is not a complete protein as it doesn’t contain all essential amino acids. For many individuals who eat a balanced diet, this is not a problem as you’re likely getting other amino acids from other foods. But for bodybuilders or athletic types, there are other sport protein powders with a higher concentration of amino acids.
For pricing and purchase, have a look on Amazon.
8. Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein Smooth Unflavored
Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein Smooth Unflavored is in fact very smooth and transparent to the taste buds. There’s no stevia or sugar, so it’s not sweet at all. So if you want an unflavored vegan protein powder that doesn’t taste like anything, then this one is for you (as it literally has little to no flavor).
The real edge to this stevia-free protein powder is that it’s grain-free. For those who are seeking a paleo-friendly protein powder with grains (such as rice) as the primary source of protein, then this is a solid product to try.
However, because there’s not much going on with this product taste-wise, the overall experience (including the texture) can taste bland. As such, I recommend using Smooth Unflavored in more flavorful applications, like a fruit smoothie.
Want to try it? See our full review or take our word for it and buy it now on Amazon.
Stevia-Free Protein Powders for the Win
A lot of protein powders, especially vegan ones, contain stevia as the primary sweetener. Derived from plants, stevia is a natural zero-sugar, zero-calorie sweetening agent. It’s become a popular go-to for brands trying to keep their protein powders lower in sugar and calories but without compromising on taste.
But we get it. Stevia can be a dominant form of sweetener that overpowers just about anything that it’s in. Protein powders are no exception. Fortunately, many brands are responding to the call to action and are coming out with better-tasting vegan protein powder without stevia and artificial flavors.
Often labeled as “unflavored” or “natural,” these options are becoming more and more available. So, stay tuned as we updated this post with more fantastic stevia-free protein powder options.
Stevia Leaf 101
Curious about learning more about stevia? Here are a few popular questions surrounding this natural sweetening agent.
What is stevia?
Stevia is a plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant. It is commonly used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages and is widely considered to be a safe and natural alternative to artificial sweeteners.
What are the benefits of using stevia in protein powder?
The most common benefit of using stevia in protein powder is to help reduce the overall calorie and sugar content of the product, making it a suitable choice for people looking to manage their weight or blood sugar levels.[2] Stevia may also provide a natural sweetness without the potential negative side effects that can be associated with artificial sweeteners.[3]
What are some potential drawbacks of using stevia in protein powder?
Some people may find that stevia has a slightly bitter or metallic taste, which can be off-putting. Additionally, some research suggests that stevia may interfere with certain medications or have other potential health effects, although more research is needed to fully understand these potential risks.
If you are concerned about using stevia or are taking any medications, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating stevia into your diet.
Related reading
- Vega Sport Protein Powder
- Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder
- Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein
- Does Protein Powder Expire?
- Best Vegan Protein Powder for Muscle Gain
About The Author
This review was conducted by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health, nutrition, and athletic space, and he offers over a decade of experience blogging on various reputable platforms. Having experimented with a vegan diet over the course of his life, Tyler has tried hundreds of plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. Learn more about Tyler by viewing his full author bio or by following him on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. You can also view his personal site TylerTafelsky.com to learn more about what he’s up to.
Scientific References
- Peteliuk V, Rybchuk L, Bayliak M, Storey KB, Lushchak O. Natural sweetener Stevia rebaudiana: Functionalities, health benefits and potential risks. EXCLI J. 2021 Sep 22;20:1412-1430. doi: 10.17179/excli2021-4211. PMID: 34803554; PMCID: PMC8600158.
- Ajami M, Seyfi M, Abdollah Pouri Hosseini F, Naseri P, Velayati A, Mahmoudnia F, Zahedirad M, Hajifaraji M. Effects of stevia on glycemic and lipid profile of type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2020 Mar-Apr;10(2):118-127. PMID: 32257884; PMCID: PMC7103435.
- Tandel KR. Sugar substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2011 Oct;2(4):236-43. doi: 10.4103/0976-500X.85936. PMID: 22025850; PMCID: PMC3198517.