Sweetener lists on protein tubs can be long and hard to read. Tissue work with the TimTam PowerMassager PRO sits in the same recovery system as protein, so this guide covers the label side, starting with stevia and cocoa.
What is stevia leaf extract?
Stevia leaf extract is a sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is much sweeter than sugar by weight, so products use very small amounts. It adds sweetness without adding sugar. Some people notice an aftertaste, which is why taste testing matters.
If you dislike one brand, another may taste different.
Why do protein powders use stevia?
Protein powders need flavor, and stevia lets a maker sweeten without sugar. That keeps the ingredient list short and the sugar count low. Collagen protein is mild on its own, so the sweetener and cocoa do most of the work on taste.
The trade-off is taste, since stevia reads differently than sugar.
What does cocoa add to a protein powder?
Cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor. Collagen protein is mild on its own, so cocoa can make it taste like something you want to drink. When you read a chocolate protein label, check that the ingredient list names cocoa itself, not just a generic flavor.
Cocoa also changes color, so a chocolate powder will look darker in the shaker.
What should you check on a sweetened protein label?
Read the ingredient list from the top. Look for added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial colors, and long strings of flavors. A short list is easier to judge. Then check the protein source and the protein per serving, since a sweet taste tells you nothing about either.
Sweetener tolerance varies, so notice how you feel after a new product.
What does Premium Protein list?
TimTam lists three ingredients: grass-fed, pasture-raised hydrolyzed beef collagen peptide, cocoa powder, and stevia leaf extract. It lists 19g of protein per serving and states no dairy, soy, gluten, or added sugar. The page does not list a serving size, so check the label on your container.
Power + Performance is separate, a single-ingredient deer antler velvet product listing 1,000 mg per serving. Athletes subject to drug testing should check with their governing body before using it.
How does protein fit into your day?
Use a serving when a meal is not practical. Premium Protein fits after a session, and Patriot Brew Coffee fits the morning, with 10g of grass-fed collagen protein and 100% Arabica instant coffee. Collagen is not a complete protein, so keep whole-food protein in your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sweetener does Premium Protein use?
TimTam lists stevia leaf extract, alongside grass-fed hydrolyzed beef collagen peptide and cocoa powder.
Does Premium Protein contain added sugar?
TimTam states Premium Protein has no added sugar. It also states no dairy, soy, or gluten.
How much protein is in Premium Protein?
TimTam lists 19g of grass-fed hydrolyzed beef collagen protein per serving.
What is stevia leaf extract?
It is a sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is far sweeter than sugar by weight, so recipes use small amounts.
Is Premium Protein a complete protein?
No. Collagen is not a complete protein, so keep whole-food protein sources in your meals.
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.