Posted by
Kelly McGeehan
Are you on the hunt for the perfect sugar substitute? Monk fruit extract is a game changer, whether you’re a diabetic, on a ketogenic diet, or just trying to live a healthier lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll explore the best monk fruit sweeteners on the market, comparing their unique features and benefits.
What is Monk Fruit Sweetener?
Known as Luo Han Guo in its native Southern China and Thailand, monk fruit has been a cherished sweetening agent for centuries.
Unlike conventional sugars, monk fruit’s sweetness comes from antioxidants called mogrosides, which is 100-250 times sweeter than regular sugar.
Used in both baking recipes and beverages, monk fruit sweeteners come in both powder and liquid form. Similar to table sugar, you can add these sugar replacements to your coffee, or bake them into your favorite treat.
Why Should You Use Monk Fruit Sweetener?
It’s no secret that added sugars are bad for your health. Excess sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Monk fruit sweeteners can sweeten foods and beverages without causing these negative side effects. It also has been linked to weight loss. For example, one study suggests that consuming low-calorie sweeteners might aid weight loss. Another study showed that US adults who used low-calorie sweeteners had a healthier eating index than those who did not.
Since monk fruit contains mogrosides, it’s possible that monk fruit sweeteners provide other health benefits. However, more research needs to be done to confirm this.
Best Monk Fruit Sweeteners in 2024
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1) Health Garden All-Natural Monk Fruit Sweetener
Price: $10.37
The Health Garden All-Natural Monk Fruit Sweetener is your new favorite powdered sugar-substitute.This sweetener is a blend of monk fruit extract and Erythritol, a sugar alcohol that naturally occurs in many fruits and vegetables. Together, they create a perfect level of sweetness that’s zero-calorie, keto-friendly, and offers over 100 servings. With a 4.7-star rating, it’s clear that users love the taste and the benefits.
Here’s why:
Keto Certified & Diabetic Friendly: Health Garden’s monk fruit sweetener is zero carbs and will not cause your blood sugar to spike, making it suitable for keto diets and Diabetics. It pours like sugar, making it perfect for use in cooking and baking.
Affordable: Priced at just $9.87 for a 1 lb (454 g) package, it’s an affordable way to enjoy sweetness without the calories. Plus, it’s in stock and ready to ship.
Quality Packaging: The resealable packaging ensures freshness and quality, so you can enjoy the sweet taste whenever you like.
2) NuNaturals Monk Fruit Sweetener (Best WITHOUT Erythritol)
Price: From $14.39
The NuNaturals Monk Fruit Sweetener is a liquid monk fruit sweetener that’s perfect for those looking for a natural sugar alternative. This sugar-free sweetener is made with simple ingredients and no added fillers, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Here’s more information about this product:
NO ERYTHRITOL: Unlike many other sweeteners, NuNaturals Monk Fruit Sweetener does not contain erythritol. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a sweetener without sugar alcohols, offering a pure and clean taste.
Pure and Simple Ingredients: For those worried about artificial sweeteners and extra fillers affecting their health, the only ingredients in this product are water, 20% organic alcohol, vegetable glycerin, and luo han guo (monk fruit) extract.
Paleo Friendly: Thanks to this product’s low-glycemic index and zero net carbs, health-conscious individuals can be at peace with this zero-calorie sweetener.
3) NuNaturals Pure Monk Fruit Powder Sweetener (Powder Version)
Price: From $30.00
NuNaturals also has a powder-based monk fruit sweetener. It’s vegan, keto-friendly, and gluten-free. Each bottle contains over 500 servings, making it a great option if you want to buy in bulk.
Here’s more information about this product:
NO ERYTHRITOL: Unlike many other monk fruit sweeteners, NuNaturals Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener does not contain erythritol, making it a great option for those who prefer to avoid sugar alcohols.
Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Keto-Friendly: Whether you’re on a vegan, keto, or gluten-free diet, NuNaturals has got you covered. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into various dietary lifestyles.
Simple Usage: A pinch is all you need! This sweetener is so much sweeter than sugar that just 1/64 tsp (a pinch) tastes as sweet as 1 tsp of sugar. Add it to your coffee, tea, baking, or anything else that needs a touch of sweetness.
Long Shelf Life: Best By April 2026, so you can stock up without worrying about it expiring anytime soon.
4) Lakanto MonkFruit Sweetener with Erythritol
Price: From $12.99
Lakanto MonkFruit Sweetener with Erythritol is a powder-based sweetener that can be dissolved in a beverage or baked into your favorite treat. With zero calories, it’s a fantastic keto option, containing only monk fruit extract and Erythritol. That means you get exactly what you want and nothing else. Choose between various package sizes, including 8 and 16-ounce options, with each package offering roughly 57 servings.
Here’s more to love about this product:
Pure Ingredients: With only Erythritol and monk fruit extract, you’re getting a natural and pure sweetener. Erythritol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables, and monk fruit has been used for centuries to increase chi and well-being.
Versatile Flavors: Available in Classic, Brown, and Golden flavors, you can find the perfect taste to match your culinary creations.
High Quality: With a 4.7-star rating, customers love the taste and quality of this product. It’s also Non-GMO Project Verified, ensuring you’re getting a product you can trust.
5) NOW Foods Real Food Organic Monk Fruit
Price: From $12.93
NOW Foods Organic Monk Fruit is a great keto-friendly option. You can add it to any beverage, meal, or smoothie for a touch of all-natural sweetness. It’s free of gluten and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose.
Each package contains about 57 servings.
6) NOW Foods Real Food Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener
Price: From $10.41
NOW Foods Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener is another good option if you prefer liquid-based sweeteners. It’s vegan-friendly and free of gluten, soy, and tree nut ingredients. This bottle contains about 268 servings if using five to eight drops per use.
7) Whole Earth Stevia & Monk Fruit Sweetener
Price: From $4.99
Whole Earth Stevia & Monk Fruit Sweetener is an affordable, zero-calorie option. It contains monk fruit and stevia leaf extract. It’s free of preservatives and artificial flavors and colors. Each bottle contains 80 servings.
How We Ranked
Although we ranked these supplements, we want you to decide on the best product for you.
Here’s what we took into consideration when ranking these products.
Strict Testing Standards
The supplement industry isn’t FDA-regulated, which can make finding a reputable supplement challenging.
That’s why we only select companies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and have their products third-party tested.
Ingredients
Monk fruit extract can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar. Due to this, many prepackaged sweeteners contain other natural ingredients to subdue the extract’s intensity. We looked for supplements that had additional natural ingredients, like Erythritol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in some fruits.
Value
Living our healthiest lives can get expensive. That’s why we selected high-quality products that won’t hurt your wallet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can you use monk fruit sweetener on a keto diet? What about Paleo?
Yes, monk fruit sweetener is a great choice if you are on a keto or paleo diet. Since it’s derived from a natural source, has zero calories, and zero carbs, it fits easily into the unprocessed and low-carb requirements of either diet.
Whether you’re keto, paleo, or simply seeking to live a healthier lifestyle, monk fruit sweeteners are a great option to add to your daily routine.
Does monk fruit come in powder or liquid form?
Monk fruit sweeteners are versatile, coming in both powder and liquid forms.
Can you add monk fruit sweetener in a beverage? Or is it just used for baking?
You can use monk fruit sweetener the same way you use regular table sugar. Simply add a few drops or sprinkle a packet of monk fruit into your morning coffee or tea.
You can add monk fruit sweeteners to any baking recipe. Just keep in mind that they are much sweetener than table sugar, and you may not need as much.
Is the sweetener non-GMO, organic, and vegan? Are there any fillers like maltodextrin?
Generally speaking, most monk fruit sweeteners are non-GMO, vegan-friendly, organic, and contain zero net carbs.
None of the products listed in this article contain maltodextrin or other fillers, however, monk fruit sweetener ingredients vary by brand, so it’s always a good idea to check the label before purchasing.
What are sugar alcohols?
Sugar alcohols come from sugar, and often used in food and beverages. Some common types include: xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and maltitol. Sugar alcohols are typically zero-calorie and do not impact blood sugar levels like regular sugar does. They’re commonly used in sugar-free or reduced-sugar products like candies, desserts, and gum.
What is erythritol? Is it safe to consume?
Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, serves as a common sweetener in various food products. With zero calories and a taste similar to sugar, it has become a go-to choice for those aiming to cut back on sugar.
Lately, a debate has emerged regarding erythritol’s potential impact on cardiovascular health. One particular study has linked erythritol to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. However, upon closer examination, other researchers have dismissed these claims as more hype than factual.
The study that sparked the controversy identified a correlation between circulating erythritol levels and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Yet, it failed to establish a clear connection to dietary erythritol intake. Since the human body also produces erythritol, and the study didn’t gather data on erythritol consumption, drawing a direct link between the sweetener and MACE risk becomes challenging.
Moreover, the experiments in the study utilized erythritol concentrations far exceeding typical human dietary levels. As a result, the study falls short of proving that consuming erythritol contributes to cardiovascular risk.
While some people may shy away from erythritol due to taste preferences or potential gastrointestinal issues, current scientific evidence doesn’t back the idea that erythritol poses a threat to heart health.
If you’re still not convinced and on the hunt for a reliable sugar substitute without erythritol, some brands sell monk fruit sweetener without it.
Another great option is allulose. Sourced from figs, raisins, wheat, and maple syrup, allulose stands as another natural sweetener, free from any potential health concerns.
Are there downsides to monk fruit sweetener?
Monk fruit sweetener is widely regarded as a safe sugar substitute. However, like many food products, it may have some downsides for certain individuals. Here are some that may apply to you:
Taste Preferences: Some people might find the taste of monk fruit sweetener to be different from regular sugar, with a bitter aftertaste that may not be appealing to everyone.
Availability and Cost: Monk fruit sweeteners can be more expensive and harder to find in stores compared to other sugar substitutes.
Digestive Sensitivity: Depending on the brand and formulation, some monk fruit sweeteners might be mixed with other sugar alcohols like erythritol, which could cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals if consumed in large quantities.
Compatibility with Recipes: Monk fruit sweetener is sweeter than sugar, so you may need to make adjustments to recipes if you decide to swap it out.
You can see how monk fruit stacks up to another sugar-free sweetener in this article on monk fruit vs stevia.
Do all monk fruit sweeteners have erythritol?
Most monk fruit sweeteners do contain erythritol. Because monk fruit is 100-250 times sweeter than regular sugar, combining it with erythritol creates a perfect mixture that makes the sweetener taste like real sugar.
While less common, monk fruit sweeteners without erythritol do exist, and we’ve linked our top-rated sweetener without erythritol as #2 and #3 in this article.
