Question:
Any alternatives to artificial sweeteners? I am allergic to them.

I am still pre-op, but I am wondering if there are high protein mixes available that do not contain any artificial sweeteners. When I ingest anything containing an artificial sweetener, I get a horrible headache and rash.    — Chris L. (posted on October 10, 2003)

October 10, 2003
If splenda equal, scacchrine and others all bother you there is one thing you might try. Start by eating just a little each day, and increasing the amount daily, over time its likely that you can build up your tolerance to them. I have done this over the years and its what allergy shots do. Ask your PCP first but it might be worth a try. Most folks dumping goes away over time based on this same situation. Our bodies are highly adaptable.
   — bob-haller

October 10, 2003
One natural alternative to the commericially produced sweeteners is an item called 'Stevia', I think that is the right spelling, it can usually be found in most health food stores, is supposed to be entirely natural and organic. I myself have never used it, but have had people swear to me that it is great. You might want to check the 'library' section on this site and do a search, I think that I have seen it mentioned a few times.
   — track

October 10, 2003
There are unflavored proteins with no sweeteners, but you have to "do" something to them. Can you narrow down WHICH sweetener bothers you? Migraine is often a reaction to nutrasweet (aspartame). Splenda (sucralose) is still sucrose (table sugar), but processed a different way. Stevia is an herb (nothing else). Sugar alcohols (things that end "itol") usually cause a different kind of problem, found in bars more than drinks. People react different ways to Acesulfame K or potassium, but not usually headaches. Might be only the one that makes you miserable. Did me, too. Then 3 yrs post-op, poof, I could do it!
   — vitalady

October 10, 2003
Stevia -- natural sweetner, you can even grow your own! Google it!
   — Sharon m. B.

October 12, 2003
Yes there is one. I found it in my health food store. It is called Jay Robb's Whey Protein. It has 24 grams of protein per oz. It has no aspartaine, no artif. sweetners. It comes in chocolate, strawberry and orange. Great!
   — Linda R.

October 13, 2003
I've never found a protein mix that didn't have artificial sweetner of some sort. It is now becoming easier to find ones that use Splenda though, which is a sugar product- very different than the pink and blue substitutes. Are you allergic to this particular sweetner? You check it out if you're not sure. The only other option I can see for you is to use unflavored- like Unjury protein powder and add the flavor you want with fruit and/or perhaps Stevia which is commonly found in the nature food store and is plant derived, as previous posters have mentioned. Good luck to you!
   — LMCLILLY