Ingredient
Monk fruit
What is Monk fruit?
Monk fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, is a small green fruit native to southern China. The sweetener is extracted from the fruit and typically processed to remove the unique compounds that give monk fruit its intense sweetness, primarily mogrosides.
Monk fruit is used as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener in various food and drink products. It is approximately 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, allowing for lower quantities to achieve the desired sweetness. The evidence on its health effects is generally positive, with no known adverse effects at typical consumption levels. It's often seen as a favorable option for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
When you see monk fruit on a label, it indicates a product aiming for a lower sugar content without artificial sweeteners. It's considered safe for consumption by most regulatory agencies.
Commonly found in: baked goods, beverages, protein bars, sauces, condiments
Benefits
- Monk fruit is a zero-calorie sweetener, making it helpful for reducing total caloric intake.
Monk fruit extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food products.
Research supports monk fruit's safety with some studies highlighting its antioxidant properties, though more research is needed to confirm all its health effects.
Monk fruit is plant-derived and is generally considered suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: GRAS Notices for Monk Fruit
Scout's take
Monk fruit is a natural sweetener with zero calories. It is derived from the monk fruit and provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels. The sweetening compounds are extracted and concentrated.
The case for
Provides sweetness without calories, suitable for low-sugar diets.
from the analysis of Peak Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter CrunchMore from Scout's analyses
Natural zero-calorie sweetener with no known adverse effects.
from the analysis of Power Crunch Protein Wafer BarFound in 2 products
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