Download the Monk Fruit Fact Sheet for Consumers here
Download the Monk Fruit Fact Sheet for Health Professionals here
Why would I use a no-calorie sweetener?
Almost everyone likes sweet taste. In fact, we’re born liking it. But sweet foods and drinks can add extra calories to our diet, which isn’t always kind to our waistlines. Low-calorie sweeteners provide sweetness without adding calories. Choosing lower-calorie versions of your favorite foods and drinks or sweetening your coffee or tea with a low-calorie sweetener instead of sugar are two ways to cut back on calories and sugar.
What are monk fruit sweeteners?
Monk fruit sweeteners come from the monk fruit, a small round fruit that is native to southern China. Monk fruit sweeteners have no calories. They are 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, so very little is needed to provide the same sweetness. Therefore, only a small amount is used to sweeten soft drinks, juices, desserts, candies and condiments.
How should I use it?
Many of your favorite foods and drinks come in lower-calorie versions that might contain monk fruit sweeteners. Low-calorie sweeteners, such as monk fruit sweeteners, also come in small individual packets that are portioned to provide about the same level of sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar. You may have noticed these packets at restaurants or coffee shops.
Monk Fruit sweeteners retain sweetness at high temperatures. If you’re a baker, this is good news! You can use monk fruit sweeteners to reduce the sugar and calories in your creations.
Should I avoid monk fruit sweeteners?
Monk fruit sweeteners are permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S. food supply. Monk fruit sweeteners are safe for everyone from kids to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Like other low-calorie sweeteners, monk fruit sweeteners are an option for people with diabetes because they offer sweetness without raising blood sugar. If you have diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider, a registered dietitian or a certified diabetes educator for advice on healthy eating to improve blood sugar control.
If I’m trying to lose weight, will monk fruit sweeteners help?
If you’re trying to lose weight or just maintain your current weight, monk fruit sweeteners are a tool that can help. It’s important to know that monk fruit sweeteners and other low-calorie sweeteners do not have magical powers—they do not “cause” weight loss. While it’s true that low-calorie sweeteners can help you consume fewer calories, successful weight strategies don’t rely on them alone. You’re more likely to reach your weight goals by incorporating low-calorie sweeteners into a healthy routine that includes many positive behaviors, such as improving your diet, getting enough exercise and sleep and sharing goals with friends and family to help you stay motivated.
The bottom line
We all love to eat, and staying at a healthy weight can be challenging. Monk fruit sweeteners are safe and can be an effective option to help control the amount of sugar and calories we eat.
