The Hidden Sugar Problem in Protein Shakes – And How to Avoid It.
Protein drinks are often marketed as the go-to solution for post-workout recovery or a healthy meal replacement. But here’s the truth: many ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes contain shockingly high amounts of added sugar – sometimes even more than a can of soda.
If you’re looking to build lean muscle, manage weight, or just make healthier choices, that added sugar can completely sabotage your goals.
Let’s break down the hidden sugar issue and show you why JUCED – the UK’s first high protein fruit juice – is a game-changing alternative.
The Hidden Sugar in Popular Protein Shakes
Despite their “healthy” image, many mainstream protein drinks use sugar or artificial sweeteners to improve taste. In fact, some shakes contain upwards of 20–30g of sugar per bottle – that’s nearly your entire recommended daily intake in one hit.
Why do they use so much sugar?
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To mask poor quality protein: Many shakes rely on low-grade whey protein, which can taste chalky or sour. Sugar helps disguise this.
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To improve shelf appeal: A sweeter taste profile appeals to more consumers, even if it compromises health benefits.
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To mimic desserts: Ever seen “chocolate fudge” or “vanilla cream pie” flavours? These often come with dessert-level sugar content too.
The Health Risks of Excess Sugar
Even if you’re hitting your protein goals, consuming too much sugar in your shakes can lead to:
1. Blood Sugar Spikes & Energy Crashes
High sugar intake leads to rapid glucose spikes followed by crashes – leaving you feeling tired, foggy, and craving more sugar.
2. Increased Fat Storage
Excess sugar not used for energy is stored as fat. This is counterproductive if you’re drinking protein shakes to lean out or gain muscle definition.
3. Inflammation & Gut Issues
Sugar fuels inflammation and can disrupt your gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, and mental clarity.
How JUCED Breaks the Mould
At JUCED, we do things differently. As the UK’s first high protein fruit juice, we’ve reimagined what a protein drink can be: clean, refreshing, and genuinely health-forward.
✅ Natural Fruit Flavour
We use real fruit juice concentrates to flavour our drinks – not synthetic additives or artificial flavours.
✅ Minimal Sugar, Maximum Nutrition
Our juices are naturally low in sugar, making them ideal for people looking to cut back on empty calories without sacrificing taste.
✅ High-Quality Collagen Protein
Unlike whey or soy, we use bovine collagen protein – a clean, bioavailable protein source that supports joint health, skin elasticity, and muscle recovery. Plus, collagen has a neutral flavour, meaning we don’t need to overload our drinks with sugar to make them palatable.
Why Collagen Protein is the Future (Not Whey)
Whey has been the industry standard for years, but it comes with its share of downsides:
| Whey Protein | Collagen Protein |
|---|---|
| Can cause bloating and gas | Easy on digestion |
| Chalky texture | Smooth, juice-like mouthfeel |
| Often paired with sugar | Works with low sugar recipes |
| Limited to muscle repair | Supports skin, joints, gut + muscle |
By using collagen protein, JUCED delivers a full-body benefit, not just a gym performance boost.
The Smarter Way to Fuel Your Body
Whether you’re post-workout, mid-hike, or desk-bound during a long workday, you want a protein drink that works with your body – not against it.
With JUCED, you get:
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15g+ of high-quality protein per bottle
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Refreshing fruit flavour without the sugar crash
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A light, hydrating texture (no milky bloat)
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Collagen benefits for hair, skin, joints and recovery
Make the Switch – Your Body Will Thank You
Ready to ditch the sugar-laden protein shakes and upgrade to something that actually aligns with your health goals?
👉 Try JUCED – the UK’s first high-protein fruit juice.
Your taste buds (and your metabolism) will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Not all protein drinks are created equal. With JUCED, you’re choosing clean ingredients, low sugar, and a protein source that does more than just fill you up.
It’s time to expect more from your protein. Choose JUCED.