Monk Fruit Sweetener: What To Know Before Trying This All Natural Zero Calorie Sweetener
Monk fruit sweetener is extracted from the monk fruit. Monk fruit is a small, green fruit that looks similar to a melon. This unique fruit is native to southern China and northern Thailand. Monk fruit’s traditional Chinese name is "luo han guo.” It’s thought to be named after Buddhist monks who first used the fruit hundreds of years ago. Since then, it has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia to treat diabetes, digestion issues, and obesity.
To create monk fruit sweetener, you have to remove the seeds and skin of the monk fruit, crush it, and collect the juice, which contains zero calories and zero sugar but is loaded with antioxidants.
Monk fruit sweetener is a fairly new and trendy concept here in Canada as more and more people try to find healthy alternatives to their favorite, less healthy indulgences. With monk fruit sweetener, you can have your cake and eat it too -- no sugar needed!
You may be wondering, how much sweeter is monk fruit than sugar? According to Food Insight, Monk fruit sweeteners are up to 150-200 times sweeter than sugar depending on the brand! Oftentimes, the liquified extract is blended with other ingredients to balance its intense natural sweetness. This means you need way less monk fruit sweetener compared to traditional sugar, so keep that in mind when adding it to coffee or baking recipes.
Is monk fruit sugar and sweetener healthy?
Monk fruit sugar’s natural sweetness comes from an antioxidant called mogroside. Mogroside is naturally sweet without containing any fructose or glucose, which means no sugar or calories. The mogroside antioxidant could potentially have great antiinflammatory effects, but according to Healthline, there have been no human studies to confirm these benefits.
Monk fruit sweetener doesn’t contain any nutrients, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad for you. Monk fruit sweeteners can be a great alternative to traditional sugar when trying to lose weight since they contain no actual sugar or calories. It’s not a magic solution for weight loss, just a sweet way to enjoy some of your favorite treats, or simply a sweet cup of coffee, as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you have a sweet tooth, monk fruit sweetener may be an essential ingredient in your pantry to keep those cravings at bay.
If you are diabetic, monk fruit sweetener can be a great option for you since it has no impact on blood glucose levels.
If you live a keto lifestyle, which encourages little to no sugar, monk fruit sweetener is a great zero calorie sweetener to enjoy in your coffee, tea, smoothies, or keto-friendly baked goods.
Are you thinking of using monk fruit sweetener in place of traditional sugar to bake some sweet treats for children? Lucky for you, monk fruit sweetener is considered safe for children to consume as long as they are not allergic. They’ll get all of the pleasure of enjoying sweet treats, and you’ll avoid the nightmare of the inevitable sugar crash.
Does monk fruit sweetener have an aftertaste?
Do you fantasize about finding a zero calorie sweetener without an aftertaste? Well, your dreams may come true once you taste a quality monk fruit sweetener.
One of the less appealing aspects of artificial sweeteners is that distinct aftertaste. Since monk fruit sweetener is naturally sourced, it doesn’t have an aftertaste like manmade zero calorie sweeteners. Some say it does have a slight aftertaste, but since it’s just that natural taste of monk fruit, it’s far more enjoyable than what you get with other sugar alternatives.
Monk fruit vs stevia
Both monk fruit and stevia are great alternatives to sugar for beverages, smoothies, and even cooking or baking. When it comes to choosing between monk fruit and stevia, there are two things you should consider: the brand and the taste. Each brand of monk fruit sweetener or stevia sweetener may have added ingredients that cause sensitivities. In terms of taste, both of these zero calorie sweeteners have a distinct taste. You’ll have to try both to figure out which one is right for you!
Sweet Monk: Our favorite all natural zero calorie sweetener
When it comes to monk fruit sweetener, and natural zero calorie sweeteners in general, there are too many options to count, but not all of them are created equal.
Sweet Monk natural sweetener is our favorite 100% sugar-free zero calorie liquid sweetener that is produced by local Canadian women.
Each 60ml bottle contains 150 servings, so a little goes a long way! It’s nice and portable so you can take it with you for whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Canada-based Sweet Monk recommends adding a light squeeze of its monk fruit sweetener to your favorite drinks, yogurts, smoothies, and oatmeal. As one reviewer said, “Small bottle, but a little goes a long way.”
Sweet Monk was founded by two Canadian women who wanted an all natural, zero calorie sweetener that fit into their busy lives involving sports, working on the road, and raising a family. Their goal was to create a sugar substitute that could satisfy the diet requirements of both an elite athlete and a two-year-old looking for a sweet yogurt in the morning without the horrendous sugar crash afterward.
Unlike other sugar alternatives, Sweet Monk has no bad aftertaste and is super easy to use. It’s considered vegan, kosher, and gluten-free and contains no artificial ingredients.
About LocalBoom
LocalBoom is more than just an online shopping platform, it’s a Canadian-based e-commerce company with a mission to amplify and support Canadian made products. LocalBoom selects the best up and coming products and brands from across Canada, including Sweet Monk, and brings them to you all in one platform.
Every purchase made through LocalBoom not only puts a smile on a Canadian business owner’s face, but it makes an impact at the local level. LocalBoom regularly donates to community organizations across the country.
Better yet - shipping is free for all orders over $50. Grab a bottle (or two or three, we won’t judge!) of Sweet Monk today from LocalBoom and feel good about supporting a local company while enjoying a tasty alternative to sugar!
