What is sugar-free protein powder?
Sugar-free protein powder is a form of protein powder created without any sugar. This makes it suitable for people who may be affected by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other symptoms. You may also prefer a sugar-free protein if you are on a keto diet. Sugar-free protein is designed without the added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols that you may want to cut out of your diet.
What are the ingredients in sugar-free protein powder?
The most important thing to consider when you’re shopping for sugar-free protein is how they word it. If it says ‘no added sugar’ or ‘unsweetened’, that doesn’t make it sugar-free, and they may still contain artificial sweeteners in the mixture. The best way to be safe is to read the ingredients panel to ensure there are no sugars or look for a formula that advertises as ‘sugar-free’, ‘zero sugar’ or ‘no sugar’.
Aside from this, the ingredients are much the same as any standard protein. They will usually contain whey protein or, in plant-based instances, sources like pea protein, sunflower seed protein and more. They may also contain amino acids, prebiotic fibre and other ingredients to support your muscle growth, recovery, and immune function.
What are the benefits of sugar-free protein powder?
While protein powders are generally excellent for supporting your nutrient intake, appetite management, muscle growth, recovery and strength, a sugar-free option can provide further benefits that may support your goals.
These include lowering the risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes. If you already suffer from diabetes, a sugar-free protein will allow you to consume protein without putting yourself at risk. Sugar-free can also lower your blood pressure and is a great option if you’re trying to lose weight. A sugar-free protein can also help to reduce the risk of inflammation
(Forrest, C. 2022).
Forrest, C. 2022, ‘13 Sugar-Free Diet Benefits (Amazing), Clean Eating Kitchen, https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/sugar-free-diet-benefits/
Who should use sugar-free protein powder?
If you are trying to lose weight, cutting out the calories from sugar with a zero-sugar formula may help you. If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes or suffer from high blood pressure or inflammation, then you might also find a sugar-free protein more suitable. May you’re on a ketogenic diet or simply want to lower your sugar intake. If you’re baking with protein powder and don’t want to affect the taste, a sugar-free option may also be more suitable.
How does sugar-free protein powder compare to regular protein powder?
Aside from the sugar, these protein formulas are much the same. A sugar-free protein may offer more health benefits if you’re trying to lose weight and cut out the calories that come with sugar. The other ingredients are much the same as any standard protein. They will usually contain whey protein or plant-based sources like pea protein, sunflower seed protein and more. They may also contain amino acids, prebiotic fibre and other ingredients to support your muscle growth, recovery, and immune function.
How much sugar-free protein powder should I take?
The amount you should take will depend on your nutritional needs and dietary goals. It is important to check the nutritional panel on the back of the product and follow the recommended daily dosage.