At True Protein, our philosophy is built on transparency and purity. It’s the foundation of every product we create and every ingredient we select. That’s why you’ll never find artificial sweeteners or hidden sugars in our formulas.
We know you’re looking for a great-tasting protein to support your health and fitness goals, not to compromise them with unwanted additives. The challenge has always been to achieve a delicious flavour without resorting to the artificial ingredients or sugars that dominate the market.
After extensive research and development, we’ve carefully selected two premium, plant-derived sweeteners—Stevia and Thaumatin—to deliver an incredible taste profile, naturally. This is the story of why they are the only choice for True Protein, and for you.
The Problem with Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
To understand our choice, it’s important to first understand what we consciously choose to avoid. Plain, unflavoured protein powder isn't for everyone, so creating delicious, flavoured options is essential. However, the way a product is sweetened makes all the difference.
Why Not Sugar?
The simplest way to make something taste sweet is to add sugar. But for anyone focused on their health, this is a counterproductive choice. Added sugars introduce empty calories and can cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels, working directly against weight management, body composition, and stable energy goals.
Why We Avoid Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose, Aspartame, etc.)
To avoid sugar, many brands turn to artificial sweeteners like sucralose (955), aspartame (951), and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). These are synthetic, lab-created chemicals designed to mimic the taste of sugar without the calories.
However, there is growing consumer concern around the long-term health effects of these additives, particularly their potential impact on the delicate balance of our gut microbiome. We’ve made a deliberate choice to avoid these synthetic compounds to provide a cleaner, more trustworthy product that works with your body, not against it.
Our Solution: Plant-Based Purity
We harness the power of nature to create a superior taste and a cleaner product, allowing you to focus on your results with complete peace of mind.
Meet Stevia: The Zero-Calorie Plant Sweetener
You’ve likely heard of stevia, but what is it really?
Stevia is a completely natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, a species native to South America. The sweetness doesn't come from the leaf itself, but from purified natural compounds within it called steviol glycosides. This is the "Scientific, yet Simple" part: you select the purest form of these extracts to provide clean sweetness without any other plant material.
Is Stevia Safe & Natural?
Absolutely. Stevia is one of the most well-researched natural sweeteners in the world. It is approved as safe by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and all major global health organisations. Because it contains zero calories and does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels, it is an ideal choice for everyone from dedicated athletes managing their macronutrients to anyone on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Meet Thaumatin: The Protein-Based Sweetener
Thaumatin is a protein extracted from the vibrant red Katemfe fruit, which grows in the West African rainforests. Unlike traditional sweeteners, thaumatin is digested by the body just like any other dietary protein. Its primary role in our formulas isn't just sweetness—it's flavour modification. It has a remarkable ability to eliminate the slight bitter aftertaste sometimes associated with high concentrations of stevia, resulting in a cleaner, smoother, and more balanced taste.
Why We Use Both
Choosing the right ingredients is only half the battle; the real expertise lies in how you combine them.
Using Stevia alone for sweetness, while effective, can leave a subtle lingering aftertaste. To create the best-tasting natural protein in Australia, we needed a more sophisticated solution.
Our combination is strategic and precise:
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We use a balanced amount of Stevia to provide the core, clean sweetness.
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We then add Thaumatin to mask any potential bitterness and round out the flavour profile.
The result is a perfect flavour synergy. You get a naturally delicious taste that is perfectly balanced and smooth, without the chemical aftertaste of artificial sweeteners or the unwanted calories of sugar.
This precise combination is the secret behind the exceptionally smooth and satisfying taste in our most popular blends. It’s how we ensure that our protein powders deliver incredible flavour without the slightest hint of a chemical or bitter aftertaste, allowing the quality of our powders to shine through.
Natural Sweeteners vs. Artificial vs. Sugar: A Clear Comparison
To make it simple, here is a direct comparison of why we choose what we do. This is the definitive guide for reading your labels.
| Feature | All-Natural (Stevia & thaumatin) | Artificial (Sucralose, Aspartame) | Sugar (Sucrose) |
| Source | Plant & Fruit Derived | Lab Synthesised Chemical | Plant Derived (Cane) |
| Calories | Zero | Zero | Yes (4 per gram) |
| Blood Sugar Impact | None | Generally None | High |
| Gut Health | Generally well-tolerated | Growing concerns about microbiome impact | Can negatively impact microbiome |
| True Protein Philosophy | Our Choice for Purity | We Avoid | We Avoid |
The Bottom Line: Sweeteners You Can Trust
Our commitment to natural ingredients is what defines True Protein. The choice to use a synergistic blend of stevia and thaumatin is a direct reflection of our promise to you.
It’s a difference you can taste in every scoop, whether you’re blending a post-workout shake with our WPI 90, creating a smoothie with our vegan-friendly Plant Protein, or supporting your joint and skin health with a serving of True Collagen. You can be confident that every product bearing the True Protein name is pure, effective, and naturally delicious.
