Monk Fruit Vs. Stevia: The Healthier Option

While both monk fruit and stevia are zero-calorie sweeteners, monk fruit comes out as our clear winner for multiple reasons, including taste, lack of side effects, and overall benefits. The fruity, sweet taste complements baking and makes a delicious sugar alternative.

Monk Fruit Vs. Stevia Comparison

Monk Fruit and Stevia have these in common:

• Zero calories

• No carbs

• No impact on blood sugar levels

• Non-nutritive sweeteners

• Taste sweeter than table sugar so you can use less sweetener

• Available in liquid, granule, and powdered sugar form

• Both of these products are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

Basic Differences Include:

• Taste: monk fruit has a slightly fruity taste, while some people report that stevia tastes slightly like licorice

• Aftertaste: while monk fruit has no bitter aftertaste, stevia does

• Price: Stevia is less expensive than monk fruit, but both are more expensive than table sugar

Is Monk Fruit Healthier than Stevia?

In some ways, yes. According to research completed and printed in Medical News Today, monk fruit may have health benefits.

Animal studies show that the mogrosides extracted from monk fruit can have potent antioxidant properties. While there needs to be further research to see if those same effects transfer to humans, the findings are promising.

Which is More Natural, Stevia or Monk Fruit?

Both are natural sweeteners; however, monk fruit is usually less refined than stevia. Also called luo han guo or swingle, monk fruit grows on a vine in Southeast Asia and parts of China and resembles a small gourd and grows

Stevia comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant found in certain parts of South America. Specific refined stevia products made from Rebaudioside A (Reb A), are used to make stevia products since the FDA does not recognize all aspects of the Stevia plant as GRAS. This leaves the FDA warning consumers that products called stevia are not true stevia.

Is Monk Fruit or Stevia Better for Diabetics?

Both monk fruit and stevia are excellent sugar substitutes for people with diabetes.

For diabetic people, these alternative sweeteners have the low glycemic index they need in a low-calorie, sugar-free treat since keeping one’s glucose levels steady is essential.

What About Side Effects?

First, let’s point out that many artificial sweeteners have added ingredients to get them to taste more like real sugar. So, when you use an artificial sweetener, know exactly what you are getting.

Although consumers report some gastro distress with both sweeteners, those made with monk fruit extract have fewer reports of stomach upset than stevia sweeteners.

Watch for symptoms such as bloating and stomach upset, especially if you are consuming a lot of the sugar substitute.

Which is Better for Weight Loss, Monk Fruit or Stevia?

With zero carbohydrates and no glucose impact, both of these calorie-free sweeteners are excellent for weight loss.

Which is Better for Coffee?

It depends on your personal preference. Some people will find monk fruit sweetener to taste better in their morning jo, while others will prefer a sweetener made from stevia extract.

We encourage you to try both and see which you prefer.

Why We Choose Monk Fruit

Ultimately, the choice between monk fruit and stevia often comes down to personal preference for taste and how they perform in specific recipes.

We prefer the taste of monk fruit because it lacks the bitter aftertaste associated with stevia and it’s easy to use in recipes and baking.