Is monk fruit extract a natural sweetener, and is it better for you than sugar?

Is monk fruit extract a natural sweetener, and is it better for you than sugar? -Stella

YES. The sweetness in monk fruit extract comes from compounds (triterpene glycosides) that are not related to sugar. Like the glycosides from stevia leaf extract, another natural sweetener, these compounds do not raise blood sugar levels and are safe for those with diabetes.  Pure monk fruit extract may be more difficult to find than Nectresse, a product released in 2012, but both are considered non-nutritive, calorie-free sweeteners. Very little is needed to sweeten foods as these compounds are about 300 times sweeter than sugar, thus saving calories and sparing teeth and waistline.

Nectresse^TMis a product based mainly on erythritol with monk fruit extrect added. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol compound that is readily absorbed and undergoes minimal processing by the body. 

– Debbie J., MS, RD

Do you have a question about your diet or nutrition?

Ask our dietitian by submitting your question to nutrition@lafitness.com or simply ask it in the COMMENTS section below. To learn how to follow the “Ask Our Dietitian” Q&A CLICK HERE!

Debbie James is a registered dietitian. Any views or opinions presented in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or recommendations of Fitness International, LLC.