Sweeteners are a fantastic alternative to sugar for lots of people who have an intolerance to the sweet white stuff. They have also been a favorite of dieters for many years thanks to their low calorie content.
Oftentimes, many of the popular sweetener brands are laden with artificial additives to achieve the sweet taste. Natural sweeteners are quickly becoming the sugar alternative of choice.
This is because they tend not to be packed full of artificial ingredients in the same way as artificial sweeteners.
Of course, you can get some natural sweeteners that are mixed with artificials to preserve the shelf life or to make them even sweeter, but you can also get some that are fully natural with no unnecessary additives.
A lesser known natural sweetener is monk fruit sweetener. This is naturally high in a sweet ingredient called mogrosides. These mogrosides are extracted from them by removing the seeds and skin and crushing it to obtain the juice.
The result is a zero calorie sweet substance that is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar. It comes in a variety of forms such as liquid drops, tablet form, granules, and powder. It has been approved as safe to use in the USA and can be bought from many different retailers.
To help you out when choosing your monk fruit sweeteners we have decided to compile a list of 7 of the best. Each of the 7 monk fruit sweeteners we have chosen has its own review as well as a pro and cons list.
We also thought it would be very helpful to compile a Buyers’ Guide for you, detailing what you should consider before purchasing your favorite monk fruit sweetener from our ‘best of’ list.
We have also included a frequently asked questions list where we answer some of the questions on everyone’s minds relating to the safety of monk fruit sweetener as well as exploring what a monk fruit actually is.
These are featured at the end of the article and we highly recommend you have a read of those, too.
So if you have been considering switching to a natural, low calorie alternative to sugar, or if you want to try out a new sweetener, look no further, because this article will tell you all there is to know about the humble monk fruit and its delicious sweeteners.
The first on our list just had to be Lakanto’s Monkfruit Sweetener. This has had many thousands of rave reviews online, and it is easy to see why.
It comes in a variety of sizes and form options, but this particular one is a granulated sweetener made to look like white sugar. It has absolutely no calories and no carbs in there making it the ideal choice for dieters.
Talking of diets, it is compatible with so many diets and dietary requirements such as vegan, keto, candida, paleo, diabetic, low carb, low sugar, and non-GMO.
It is also all-natural so it is perfect for those who try to eat only natural products.
You can use it in all your favorite baked goods to provide lower calories treats or use it instead of sugar in your morning coffee. It matches the sweetness of sugar cup for cup.
The only ingredients are monk fruit and erythritol so you can rest easy knowing there are no harmful additives or sweeteners included.
Pros
It does not impact blood sugar in any way, making it the perfect sugar free sweetener for diabetics
There is no bitter aftertaste
It has no undesired effects (some sweeteners can cause laxative effects)
Some people may find that the 1:1 ratio is inaccurate. Many customers have actually had to use 2 cups of this sweetener for 1 cup of sugar. You should bear this in mind, especially when baking with it.
This sweetener product is a blend of Stevia and Monk Fruit sweetener. They are separate packets of powdered sweeteners which means you can take them wherever they go.
As they are in small packets they are more suited to add to beverages and yogurt than using them for baking and cooking which would need large quantities.
They are a great natural sweetener to add the taste of sugar without the extra calories or carbs. As with other monk fruit sweeteners, this one is suitable for a wide variety of different diets such as low glycemic index diets, paleo diet, keto diet, and plant based diets.
Pros
A great size product for traveling as you can take the individual sachets with you wherever you go
The stevia adds extra sweetness whilst still ensuring it remains plant based and natural
Zero calories so you can guiltlessly sweeten your favorite beverages
No strange aftertaste
Cons
Because they are individual sachets they may not be the best choice for people who want to use them for baking and other everyday uses.
We were big fans of this sweetener by the brand So Nourished. This is one of two sweeteners by So Nourished on our list - they seem to be a popular choice for many monk fruit sweeteners fans. This particular type is their granulated sweetener.
This Monk Fruit Sweetener has added Erythritol which is natural sugar alcohol to add to the sweetness. It is zero calorie and zero carbs, making it the perfect choice for calorie conscious consumers.
We love that this sweetener is made with baking in mind. You will hardly be able to tell the difference between this and sugar in your cakes and pastries.
It leaves almost no aftertaste and does not have bitterness, unlike some sweeteners. It is completely organic and non-GMO. It also has absolutely zero glycemic impact, making it perfect for diabetics and those on low carb diets.
Pros
It is perfect for beverages and baking making it a great daily sweetener
No bitter taste
It dissolves even better than sugar
It’s great for the keto diet as it has no effect on blood sugar
Cons
There is a high level of erythritol in this sweetener. Whilst erythritol is safe, in large amounts it can cause digestive issues such as bloating and have laxative effects so bare this in mind if you have a particularly sensitive stomach
This is the first liquid monk fruit sweetener on our list and it’s a good one at that! The liquid form makes this sweetener a great one for beverages, smoothies, oats, and cereal.
It is free of erythritol and so it will be ideal for those who have sensitive stomachs and intolerances to sugar alcohols.
It comes in four different flavors - original, vanilla, chocolate, and lemon - so you can definitely find something to suit your tastes.
It’s the perfect size to take with you to work or when traveling as you can just grab the bottle and go. Like most other monk fruit sweeteners it is perfect for an array of diets such as paleo, keto, vegan, candida, and diabetic.
Pros
The liquid is very easy to use
It comes in 4 flavor choices
Great for an array of dietary needs
The best option for beverages
Cons
The packaging for this is not the greatest. The lid can easily come loose which may cause an issue if you want to take it in your purse to work.
Monk Zero boasts a product that bakes, cooks, and tastes like sugar, and we have to agree. You can use it for all your favorite treats such as brownies, ice cream, cakes, cookies, and much more without the added calories of sugar.
Simply replace the sugar in the recipe with the same amount of this. The brand states that the ratio of Monk Fruit ASweetener to sugar is 1:1.
This means for one teaspoon of sugar you can use one teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener for the same amount of sweetness.
It is tooth friendly as it will not cause cavities and is suitable for an array of different diets such as non-GMO, vegan, keto, and gluten free.
It is blended with erythritol for that cleaner, sweeter taste and promises that there will not be a bitter aftertaste. It is also a granulated sweetener for that true sugar feel
Pros
Looks and tastes like sugar
It bakes well in all your favorite treats
The ratio is 1:1 meaning you can use the same amount as you would real sugar
It won’t cause blood sugar spikes
Cons
Some customers have commented that it tastes less like monk fruit and more like erythritol. They seem to taste the latter far more.
As the title suggests it is also mixed with erythritol for the added sweetness kick, making it the ideal substitute for super sugary syrups and sugar in your hot beverages and desserts.
It is zero calories and also great for low carb dieters. As well as this it is the perfect choice for diabetics. It is also vegan friendly and uses non-GMO ingredients. A winner all-around we think!
Pros
Powdered sweetener for easily dissolving in liquids and hot beverages
Suitable for a variety of diets including diabetic and vegan
The last monk fruit sweetener on our list is this by Health Garden. This golden sweetener is made to look golden like brown or demerara sugar, making it an excellent substitute for both of these as well as regular sugar.
The digestive system can metabolize it easily and it does not cause effects on blood sugar levels. This means it is perfect for diabetic people.
It bakes well and can also be used in hot beverages as a daily replacement for sugar and artificial sweetener. It is 100% natural and contains monk fruit and erythritol.
The conversion rate is 1:1 meaning one teaspoon of Health Garden’s Monk Fruit Sweetener is equal to one teaspoon of sugar.
It is granulated so it is not exactly like brown sugar in terms of texture.
Best Monk Fruit Sweeteners Buying Guide
There are a number of things you should bear in mind before you buy your monk fruit sweetener.
We will be exploring these factors in our Buyers’ Guide to make sure you are as informed as possible about them.
The form of the sweetener
Sweeteners come in many different forms. Different forms are suited for different uses. Lots of sweeteners are made to look like white sugar, seeing as they tend to be used as a white sugar replacement.
Monk fruit sweeteners are no different. You can buy granulated monk fruit sweetener that looks very similar to sugar.
Typically, to get it to look granulated manufacturers have to add in other ingredients such as maltodextrin or erythritol.
The same goes for the powdered form. Powder monk fruit sweeteners typically have other substances added to them in order to achieve this powdered look.
You can also get monk fruit sweeteners in liquid form. These tend to be totally natural without any additives, but may not be the best option if you want the sweetener for putting on dried cereal or fruit.
Some sweeteners come in tablet or capsule form too. We have not featured any of these on our list as we have found the other forms to be far better, however, these do still exist and may suit you if you are using them solely for hot beverages.
They ideally need a hot beverage rather than a cold one in order to dissolve thoroughly.
Consider what form suits you best and weigh up the pros and cons of each.
Any additives
We mentioned additives a lot in the section above, but it is a super important consideration to make since some people will want to avoid any additives altogether.
By additives, we mean any ingredients other than monk fruit that may be present in the sweetener. These may include maltodextrin, erythritol, stevia (another form of sweetener), and even flavorings such as vanilla.
Each of these additives we have talked about are ones that are commonly found in monk fruit sweeteners. Now, none of these are particularly harmful, especially in the small amounts that feature in sweeteners, but it is no secret that many people try to avoid them.
For example, maltodextrin whilst technically safe is avoided by diabetic people. Even though it is not sugar, it does have an effect on blood sugar levels because it is very high on the glycemic index at 150.
It is often used because it is very sweet and also acts as a preservative and filler. It is also very cheap to produce making it a favorite ingredient of many sweeteners.
As well as maltodextrin, erythritol is another popular ingredient used in sweeteners. Whilst this is a completely natural additive, it is a form of alcohol, which means many people try to avoid it.
However, the vast majority of people are fine with this addition. In fact, it can actually have some benefits as it cannot be used by the body so it gets sent right out as waste. It is also very low in calories, giving you that super sweet hit without being calorific.
You can also buy monk fruit sweeteners with added stevia. Stevia is another natural sweetener made from a plant that is native to South America. That plant is the Stevia rebaudiana. The plant contains a substance called steviol which is extremely sweet.
This is turned into a tabletop sweetener and has become very popular across the world as a sugar substitute. It is often paired with monk fruit to make it even sweeter and as a filler.
However, some people find the aftertaste of stevia too bitter, so this is worth bearing in mind before buying a monk fruit sweetener that contains it.
Lastly, you can also buy monk fruit sweeteners with added flavorings. These are more common in the liquid form. You can buy monk fruit sweeteners with added vanilla flavorings, and others such as fruit, chocolate, and caramel.
These are similar to syrups, albeit thinner in terms of their consistency, and can be added to coffees for extra flavor. They can also be added to buttercream, porridge oats, and even plant milk to make a milkshake.
The only limit with these flavored monk fruit sweetener drops is your own imagination!
Possible allergens
Seeing as monk fruits are a relatively unknown fruit, you may not be aware that they are actually a member of the gourd family.
Gourds can cause allergies, and some people are intolerant to them. You should consider this before buying monk fruit sweetener.
If you are allergic to gourds - these include pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, melons, and more - then you should not use monk fruit sweeteners and should talk to a doctor before attempting to consume them.
What you will be using it for
The last consideration you should make is what you will be using your monk fruit sweetener for.
If you plan to use it as a substitute for sugar in everything from baking, to coffees, to sprinkling on fruit and cereals, then you may want to consider getting a powder or granulated sweetener.
This is because it is very versatile and can be used for all of these purposes with ease. Monk fruit sweeteners bake really well, especially in granulated form.
If you plan to ease yourself into it and see if you like it, it may be a good idea to buy a small amount of monk fruit sweetener in liquid form.
This way you can add drops in your tea or coffee to decide how you feel about it. There is no right or wrong choice here, and it totally depends on your personal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a monk fruit?
The humble monk fruit is a small type of melon from Southern China and Northern Thailand. This small fruit is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family (this includes gourds, pumpkins, squash, and cucumbers).
Their native name is Luo Han Guo. The name is derived from the fact that the first records of this fruit being eaten were by monks in the thirteenth century.
They are particularly infamous for not just their sweet taste but also their sulfuric taste. This sulfuric taste is the reason why the fruits have to be crushed to remove the juice in order to extract the substance to make sweeteners.
It is very hard to cultivate and grow and is therefore very difficult to buy fresh unless you are in a region where they are being grown. They go off very quickly once they have been picked and start to ferment.
Are monk fruits and monk fruit sweeteners safe for everyone to eat?
There are no known health effects of monk fruits and the resulting sweetener, even on pregnant women and children. It is generally thought to be safe by all and is approved by the FDA.
That being said, you should keep in mind that monk fruits are relatively new to the food market for the rest of the world, and so there is not really much research done on them yet.
Monk fruit is thought to have some health benefits though. For example, because its sweetener is calorie free, it could possibly have weight loss benefits if you replace your usual caloric sweetener choice with this.
As well as this, monk fruit is also thought to be anti-inflammatory and has been used to make soothing drinks to help the throat and phlegm build-up.
As with anything you consume, an allergy to monk fruit is possible. You should take extra care consuming anything that you have never tried before and be on the lookout for signs of an allergic reaction.
You should take even more care if you know you are allergic to anything in the gourd family such as squash, pumpkins, and others.
Neither of them has an effect on your blood sugar and so can be enjoyed by diabetics and those with sugar intolerances. The only thing to bear in mind is that they both taste slightly different.
Stevia is thought to have a slightly bitter aftertaste by some, so this may sway you toward monk fruit if you are tied between the two.
As well as this, you should consider whether you may be allergic to monk fruit as it is a member of the gourd family. If you are allergic to gourds then stevia may be the healthier choice for you as it will be less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Does monk fruit raise insulin levels?
No, monk fruit does not have any effect on blood sugar levels and will not cause an insulin spike.
They are perfectly safe for diabetic people and those with sugar/insulin intolerances.
They are safe to be consumed as an alternative to white sugar and as a change from other sweeteners.
Does monk fruit sweetener taste bitter?
Unlike stevia and other sweeteners, monk fruit sweeteners are not known to have a particularly bitter taste or after taste. They are generally found to be very pleasant by most consumers.
That being said, taste is not relative but subjective, meaning opinions on how monk fruit sweeteners taste will vary person to person.
For this reason we cannot give a definitive answer to this question as it will completely depend on your personal taste preferences.
Final Verdict
...and there you have it. Our super informative article about monk fruit sweeteners.
We have introduced you to seven of our favorite picks for the best monk fruit sweeteners out there and given you in depth reviews of each as well as a handy pro and cons list so you can really know everything there is to know about them.
We are sure that you are absolutely blown away by the wide variety and choice that you have when it comes to choosing monk fruit sweeteners.
From granulated, to powder, and even liquid form, we are sure that you will find a monk fruit sweetener to suit you and your needs.
We hope that you have found our in depth review of monk fruit sweeteners super helpful and we bet you are so excited to get your hands on one for yourself.
If you have not been able to find the perfect monk fruit sweetener for your needs, please do not fret because you are now armed with all the knowledge you could possibly dream of or need to equip you to buy your monk fruit sweetener.
Remember, you should take into account our Buyers’ Guide when you purchase your own monk fruit sweetener to ensure you choose one that suits your needs the most, as it gives you a bunch of factors to keep in mind such as what form of sweetener you want, as well as any additives you may want to avoid (or include, depending on your preferences).
We hope you enjoy having a super healthy alternative to white sugar that is bound to make you feel great, as well as having some great benefits for your health.
Diabetics and dieters rejoice, because you have finally found the perfect sweetener that can also be used in baked goods as well as your morning cup o’ joe.
Best Monk Fruit Sweeteners
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
