If you’ve ever stood in the supplements aisle (or scrolled online) and felt overwhelmed by the wall of protein powders, you’re not alone. Between flashy packaging, confusing nutrition labels and endless promises, it’s hard to know which one is actually worth adding to your routine.
One simple rule I like to follow is to keep an eye on the sugar content. While protein shakes can be a great way to boost recovery after a workout, keep you fuller for longer, or just help you sneak in extra nutrition, a lot of powders are packed with unnecessary sweeteners. Luckily, there are some brilliant low-sugar options that don’t compromise on taste or quality.
But first, let’s take a look at why excess sugar in protein powders should be avoided.
Why should you avoid excess sugar in protein powder?
Excess sugar in protein shakes can undo many of the health benefits you’re trying to get from them. While a little sugar is fine, regularly consuming shakes that are high in added sugar can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, which may leave you feeling tired or craving more sweet foods.
Over time, too much sugar contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a higher risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also undermine the reason you’re taking protein in the first place (whether that’s for the gains, muscle recovery, steady energy, or overall health) by adding empty calories that don’t provide the nutrients your body actually needs.
Here are five protein powders to consider if you’re looking for lower sugar options.
Naked Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder (£79.99 for 2280g)
If you like your supplements stripped back and simple, Naked Whey might just be your match. It’s sourced from small non-GMO dairy farms, with cows that are grass-fed, free-roaming, and raised without hormones like rBGH or rBST. Each serving delivers an impressive 25g of protein along with 5.9g of BCAAs, without any additives, fillers or artificial sweeteners. Naked Nutrition keeps things clean and transparent, so what you see really is what you get.
Nutritional info (per 30g serving / 2 scoops):
Calories: 120
Protein: 25g
Fat: 2g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Fibre: 0g
Sodium: 45mg
Potassium: 90mg
Calcium: 98mg
Iron: 0.2mg
Vitamin D: 0mg
Vivo Life Clean Protein (£33.99 for 900g)
For a plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on nutrition, Vivo Life’s Clean Protein is a solid choice. Each serving packs 21g of protein and is naturally high in iron, zinc, and selenium for extra energy and immune support. With no artificial sweeteners or flavours, it’s a clean and simple blend designed to work with your lifestyle.
Nutritional info (per serving):
Calories: 110kcal / 465kJ
Protein: 21g
Fat: 1.6g
Saturated fat: 0.02g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugars: 0.3g
Fibre: 1.6g
Salt: 0.8g
Iron: 7mg
The Organic Protein Co. Madagascan Vanilla Organic Whey (£59 for 1200g)
Form Nutrition Performance Protein (£22.99 for 520g)
If you want a plant-based powder that goes beyond the basics, Form’s Performance Protein is worth a try. With 30g of protein and 5g of BCAAs per serving, it’s designed to support both training and recovery. Added extras like turmeric extract, BioPerine® (for absorption), and a digestive enzyme blend make it stand out from the pack. Bonus: the chocolate hazelnut flavour is rich, nutty, and actually delicious.
Nutritional info (per serving):
Energy: 645kJ / 154kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 2.9g
Saturated fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugars: 0.1g
Salt: 1g
Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend (£24.99 for 600g)
Developed with women in mind, Free Soul’s Vegan Protein Blend is more than just protein. Alongside 17g of plant-based protein per serving, it’s enriched with nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium to support energy, hormonal balance, and even skin, hair, and nails. It’s free from gluten, dairy, and common irritants, and comes in flavours like salted caramel and berry for something a little different.
Nutritional info (per serving):
Energy: 428kJ / 101kcal
Protein: 17g
Fat: 2.2g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 3.8g
Sugars: 0.1g
Fibre: 0.5g
Salt: 0.77g
Thiamine: 0.3mg
Riboflavin: 0.4mg
Niacin: 4.8mg NE
Vitamin B6: 0.4mg
Folic acid: 60mcg
Vitamin B12: 0.8mcg
Biotin: 45mcg
Pantothenic acid: 1.8mg
Chloride: 90mg
Calcium: 120mg
Magnesium: 100mg
Iron: 6mg
Sodium: 58mg
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