Benefits of Whey Protein Powder with Natural Sweetener Stevia

The Benefits of Whey Protein Powder with Stevia

Whey protein powder has become an increasingly popular supplement among athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone looking to add more protein to their diet. Whey is a complete protein containing all the essential amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle. It is quickly digested and absorbed by the body, making it an ideal protein to consume after workouts.

Many whey protein powders contain artificial sweeteners and added sugars to improve their taste. However, for those looking to limit sugar and calorie intake, whey protein with the natural sweetener stevia is an excellent option.

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. Unlike artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, stevia is natural with no chemical processing needed. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help confer health benefits.

Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you only need a tiny amount to sweeten whey protein powder and other foods and drinks. This allows the flavor to be enhanced without any extra calories or carbs.

Benefits of Whey Protein with Stevia

Here are some of the top benefits of combining whey protein and stevia:

• Increases muscle protein synthesis: Whey protein is rich in the amino acid leucine, which stimulates muscle protein production to build and repair muscle tissue after exercise.
• Aids fat loss: Whey can help boost fat burning, especially when consumed around workouts. The stevia ensures the powder is low calorie to support fat loss.
• Blood sugar control: Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia does not negatively impact blood sugar levels or insulin sensitivity.
• Gut health: Some research shows stevia exhibits prebiotic effects to support a healthy microbiome.
• Enhanced taste: Stevia enhances the flavor of whey protein to make a shake or smoothie taste sweet and delicious without any sugar.
• Zero calories: Stevia has no effect on calorie intake, so you get all the benefits of whey without excess calories.

Is Stevia-Sweetened Protein as Effective?

One common question is whether stevia-sweetened whey protein is as effective for building muscle compared to protein powders containing sugar or artificial sweeteners.

And research shows that yes, whey protein with stevia is just as helpful for improving body composition and exercise performance. Consuming adequate protein is what matters most.

In one study, athletes using stevia-sweetened whey protein for 6 weeks built the same amount of muscle and strength as those using regular whey protein.^[1] Another study found men ingesting whey protein with stevia following resistance training saw significant increases in muscle thickness compared to a placebo.^[2]

So stevia does not impair the muscle, strength, and performance benefits of whey protein.

Choosing the Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder with Stevia

When you’re looking for a high-quality whey protein powder with stevia, here are some key things to consider:

Types of whey

Make sure you choose a high-quality whey protein concentrate or isolate, which are the most common types of whey used in supplements.

• Whey protein concentrate: Typically 70-80% protein with some fat and carbs/lactose still present. It’s the most affordable option.
• Whey protein isolate: Contains 90% or higher protein content with very little fat, carbs, and lactose since further processing is used.

Pure stevia extracts

Check that pure stevia extract like rebaudioside A is used rather than a stevia blend. This ensures you reap all the benefits of this natural sweetener.

Great reviews for taste

It’s important to select a whey protein powder with stevia that also tastes great. Seek out brands with overwhelmingly positive reviews that customers enjoy the flavor.

Third party testing

Reputable supplements should adhere to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and undergo independent third party testing to verify purity and quality.

Delicious Whey Protein Powder Recipes with Stevia

Whey protein powder sweetened with stevia blends extremely well into smoothies, shakes, baked goods, and all kinds of recipes to boost nutrition.

Here are some tasty ideas for using whey protein powder with stevia:

Protein Smoothies

Blend whey protein into a fruit smoothie along with almond milk, Greek yogurt, nut butter, or spinach for a balanced meal or snack.

Protein Pancakes

Make high protein pancakes by adding whey powder plus stevia, eggs, oats, and almond milk to the batter. Top with Greek yogurt and fruit.

Nice Cream

For a healthy “ice cream”, blend frozen bananas with whey protein, almond milk, stevia, and cocoa powder or peanut butter.

Protein Bars

Homemade protein bars with oats, whey powder, almond butter, and stevia taste delicious. Simply blend, bake, and cut into bars.

The options are truly endless for incorporating stevia-sweetened whey protein powder into meals and snacks!

The Takeaway on Whey Protein with Stevia

Using stevia as a zero-calorie, natural sweetener is an excellent way to enhance the flavor and enjoyment of whey protein powder. This allows you to reap the full muscle building, fat burning, and recovery benefits of whey without any extra sugar or artificial sweeteners.

When purchasing whey protein powder with stevia, select high quality whey protein concentrates and isolates. Always choose products with pure stevia extracts that undergo third party testing. And pick a flavor with positive reviews confirming it tastes great.

Once you have a clean, delicious whey protein powder sweetened with stevia, get creative mixing it into smoothies, pancakes, ice cream, protein bars and more!

FAQs

Is stevia-sweetened whey protein as effective for building muscle?

Yes, research shows whey protein with stevia is just as effective for improving body composition and exercise performance. Consuming adequate high quality protein is what matters most, not whether it is sweetened with stevia or another sweetener.

What are the best types of whey protein to use?

The highest quality types are whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. Concentrate contains 70-80% protein while isolate has 90% or higher protein. Both make an excellent base for protein shakes and powders sweetened with stevia.

How does the taste compare to artificial sweeteners?

Many people find products sweetened with pure stevia extract have a more natural taste than those using artificial sweeteners. And brands that use quality ingredients and positive customer taste reviews are your best bet for great flavor.

Can I bake with whey protein powder and stevia?

Yes, whey protein blends extremely well into protein pancakes, breakfast baked goods, protein bars and more. The stevia enhances sweetness without adding moisture like sugar would. So get creative with high protein recipes using whey and stevia!