Protein powders
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
Score
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
Why it scores 93
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate scores 93 out of 100 (Excellent) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 5 points Sucralose: In a 2022 randomized study, sucralose and saccharin altered the gut microbiome and impaired glucose responses in some people; a 2023 lab study raised questions about its by-product sucralose-6-acetate. Strong
- minus 1 points Whey protein concentrate / isolate: An ingredient typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
- minus 1 points Sunflower lecithin: An additive class typical of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4). Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
The Receipt
Whey Protein Concentrate
Ingredients
- Sucralose minus 5 points
- Whey protein concentrate / isolate minus 1 points
- Sunflower lecithin minus 1 points
- Natural flavors minus 0.5 points
100 − 7.5 = 92.5 → 93
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 351 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5.4 g |
| Saturated fat | 4.1 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.1 g |
| Sugars | 8.1 g |
| Added sugars | 5.4 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 67.6 g |
| Salt | 2 g |
Serving: 1 Scoop (37 g)
Ingredients
- whey protein concentrate (whey protein, sunflower lecithin)
- natural flavors
- salt (sodium chloride)
- sucralose (moderate concern)
Label text, as published
whey protein concentrate (whey protein, sunflower lecithin), natural flavors, salt (sodium chloride), sucralose
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk
- Not vegan
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
-
“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
-
“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov