Best protein powder without artificial sweeteners
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Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners
Consumer Preferences for Natural Sweeteners in Protein Beverages
The increasing consumption of protein beverages in the United States has led to a growing interest in natural sweeteners. A study evaluated the sensory properties of naturally sweetened ready-to-mix (RTM) whey protein beverages, focusing on consumer acceptance and formulation of natural noncaloric sweetener blends. The study tested various sweeteners, including sucralose, sucrose, fructose, stevia, and monk fruit, to determine their effectiveness in RTM vanilla whey protein beverages.
Two natural sweetener blends were formulated: a sugar-free blend (25% stevia/75% monk fruit) and a reduced-sugar blend (25% stevia/25% monk fruit/50% fructose). These blends were tested alongside control beverages containing sucralose, stevia, or monk fruit. The findings revealed two distinct consumer segments: label-conscious consumers who preferred naturally sweetened beverages and flavor-driven consumers who conceptually preferred natural sweeteners but favored sucralose-sweetened beverages when primed. Overall, an all-natural label claim was most preferred across all consumer groups.
Sweet Protein-Based Sweeteners: A Natural Alternative
Sweet proteins, such as monellin, offer a promising natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. These proteins are particularly beneficial for individuals needing to control sugar intake, such as those with obesity or diabetes. Research on the sweet protein MNEI and its mutant Y65R, which has an extra positive charge, demonstrated that Y65R exhibits superior sweetness, better solubility at mild acidic pH, and significant thermal stability across a wide pH range.
The study highlights the potential of structure-guided protein engineering to design improved low-calorie sweeteners. These sweet proteins can be used as safe, natural sweeteners in food and pharmaceutical preparations, providing a viable alternative to artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
For consumers seeking the best protein powder without artificial sweeteners, naturally sweetened options using blends of stevia and monk fruit are highly recommended. These blends not only meet the sensory preferences of label-conscious consumers but also offer the added benefit of being low-calorie and natural. Additionally, sweet protein-based sweeteners like MNEI and its derivatives present a promising natural alternative, especially for those needing to manage their sugar intake. The preference for natural sweeteners and the development of innovative sweet protein-based options underscore the importance of catering to health-conscious consumers in the protein beverage market.
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