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Monk Fruit

Monk fruit is being used more commonly in today’s society and is a sweetener we’ve chosen to use in our go-to-market industry-leading vegan protein powder. Since monk fruit is relatively new to the sweetener scene, a lot of people have questions about what it is, where it comes from, and the associated health benefits. Throughout this blog, we have included links to other highly regarded resources such as the FDA and Healthline that can provide additional information. 

What is Monk Fruit? 

Monk fruit, otherwise known as Luo Han Guo, is a native fruit to southern China and northern Thailand that is used as a sweetener and for Chinese natural medication. It has been used as a cure for fevers and other dysfunctions associated with heat. People in recent years have begun using monk fruit as a natural alternative to sugar. 

Why is it used as a sweetener? What makes it effective and useful? 

Monk fruit is anywhere from 100-250 times sweeter than sugar depending on the mogroside content, and, as people move away from sugar, monk fruit is being looked at as a viable alternative. Monk fruit sweetener is acquired through the extract derived from the dried fruit.

Is it safe? 

Monk fruit sweetener is, of course, safe and is a natural alternative to sugar or artificial sweeteners. It has zero calories, carbs, and does not raise blood glucose levels. Even though there has been a lack of sufficient scientific studies on the effects of monk fruit use long term, the Food and Drug Administration has deemed monk fruit “generally recognized as safe” for everyone. Healthline has additional information on the health benefits of Monk Fruit. We recommend taking a look at this article for more information on the health benefits of monk fruit: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/monk-fruit-health-benefits 

What does the FDA say about Monk Fruit?

“Luo Han Guo fruit extracts

Siraitia grosvenorii Swingle fruit extract (SGFE) contains varying levels of mogrosides, which are the non-nutritive constituents of the fruit primarily responsible for the characteristic sweetness of SGFE. SGFE, depending on the mogroside content, is reported to be 100 to 250 times sweeter than sugar. Siraitia grosvenorii Swingle, commonly known as Luo Han Guo or monk fruit, is a plant native to Southern China.” The FDA categorizes monk fruit as a high-intensity sweetener that is permitted for food use in the United States. For more information on this, please follow the link: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/additional-information-about-high-intensity-sweeteners-permitted-use-food-united-states

Why is it used in Green Peaks protein? 

Green Peaks is aiming to provide the highest quality of sustainable and nutritional value in our product. Additionally, we understand that many people are looking for low sugar and low carb option for protein, which makes monk fruit a great choice as it’s zero calories and zero sugar. Because of this, we felt as if a monk fruit aligned perfectly with our company, brand, and product. Take a look at our Chocolate Brownie Vegan Protein Powder page for more information.