Best Monk Fruit Sweeteners (What is it + Pros and Cons)

If you’re looking to cut back on carbs or you’re on the lookout for a sweetener that won’t cause your blood sugar to spike, Monk Fruit Sweetener might be the answer.

Known to be 150 to 200 times sweeter than sugar, monk fruit has zero calories, carbs, sodium, and fat. This sweetener can be used in beverages, dairy products, desserts, candies, and baked goods.

What is Monk Fruit Sweetener?

Native to southern China and northern Thailand, monk fruit is a small round fruit. Monk fruit sweetener comes from the mogroside, which is the sweetest part of the fruit. In addition to its role as a low-calorie sweetener, monk fruit has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Monk fruit sweetener is produced by transforming the filtered and extracted sweet portions of the crushed fruit into liquid and powdered forms.

What Does Monk Fruit Sweetener Taste Like?

Monk fruit has a sweet taste that’s similar to sugar. It does not taste like fruit. The texture can be granular like table sugar, or it can be purchased in a liquid form. Some describe a slight aftertaste but still consider it to be a good replacement for regular sugar.

Monk Fruit vs Stevia

Both sweeteners are made from plants, are much sweeter than regular sugar, and come in granular and liquid forms. Also, both contain zero amounts of calories, carbs, and fat. Monk fruit has no side effects and does not impact blood sugar. Some say monk fruit has a taste that’s similar to sugar, while others say it has a different taste altogether. Depending on where you live, monk fruit can be difficult to find and is more expensive than sugar.  Stevia may affect the healthy bacteria in your stomach, resulting in gas or bloating. Stevia is sweet but is not identical to the taste of sugar and may have an aftertaste.

Monk Fruit Sweetener vs Sugar

Because it has zero calories, carbs, sodium, and fat, monk fruit can be a good option for those looking to reduce their calories and/or carbs. It’s also suitable if you’re searching for a sweetener that doesn’t spike your blood sugar.  Consuming too much regular sugar on the other hand, can lead to weight gain, cause your blood sugar to spike, and negatively affect your heart health.

Best Monk Fruit Sweetener Brands

• Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener

This is a good option for diabetics and those following a paleo or keto lifestyle. It can be used for baking, and has a minimal aftertaste, if at all. Depending on your taste, you can use it 1:1 or if you prefer something sweeter, increase the ratio as needed.

• So Nourished Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol

Similar to icing/confectioners sugar, this blend of monk fruit and erythritol is perfect for icings and desserts. Some have noted a ‘cooling’ aftertaste which can be attributed to the erythritol because it is a form of sugar alcohol.

• Whole Earth Stevia and Monk Sweetener

This sweetener is a blend of stevia and monk fruit, giving you a bit of both. In addition to beverages, it can be used to sweeten baked goods.

• Health Garden Monk Fruit Sweetener

Golden in color that’s similar to light brown sugar, it can be used at a ratio of 1:1 with regular sugar. It bakes well and is a good option in hot beverages.

• Monk Zero Monk Fruit Sweetener

This sweetener has a taste that’s similar to regular sugar and can be used in baked goods, ice cream, and anything else you want to sweeten. Use it at a ratio of 1:1 to replace regular sugar.

• Lakanto Liquid Monk Fruit Extract Sweetener

Being a liquid sweetener, this one is ideal for beverages like tea, coffee, smoothies, and lemonade, as well as cereal and oatmeal. It’s also available in original, vanilla, chocolate, and lemon flavors.

Is Monk Fruit a Safe and Healthy Sweetener?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), monk fruit sweetener is safe to consume and it does not impact blood sugar.

Monk Fruit Sweetener Side Effects

There have been no reports of side effects associated with consuming monk fruit sweeteners. It is always best to use monk fruit, and any other type of sweetener, in moderate amounts.

Is Monk Fruit Sweetener Keto?

Yes, because monk fruit has no carbs, it is suitable for those following a keto lifestyle.

How to Use Monk Fruit Sweetener?

Monk fruit sweetener can be used the same way you’d use regular sugar such as in beverages, baking, and in oatmeal. Start with a ratio of 1:1, and then increase the amount as required to achieve the desired sweetness.

Where Can I Buy Monk Fruit Sweetener?

Monk fruit sweetener has increased in popularity over the last several years. You should be able to find it at your local grocery store, at organic food shops, and at online retailers such as Amazon.

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How to Use Monk Fruit Sweetener

If you’re looking to cut back on carbs or you’re on the lookout for a sweetener that won’t cause your blood sugar to spike, Monk Fruit Sweetener might be the answer.

Keyword Best Monk Fruit Sweetener

Servings 1 tablespoon

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener

Instructions

• To replace sugar in a recipe, start with 1:1 ratio.
• Add more if needed.