Where to find monk fruit sweetener without erythritol and how to use it?

It’s not a stretch to call natural sweeteners superhero ingredients that add flavor to your everyday foods and drinks with little to no calories. Still, it’s worth double-checking the label to avoid erythritol. This ingredient is notably found in some brands of monk fruit sweetener and has made headlines recently for being linked to negative effects on heart health. Fortunately, finding erythritol-free monk fruit sweetener is easier than you think. Here’s why it’s best to use monk fruit sweetener without erythritol as a sugar substitute.

What is monk fruit sweetener?

This sweetener is derived from pure monk fruit (or luo han guo), an ancient Chinese fruit that research shows helps prevent blood sugar spikes and inflammation. This sweetener is available in liquid form, but the powder version is made by drying monk fruit extract. This sweetener is often marketed as being sweeter than sugar. However, many health experts advise including this sweetener in the diet in moderation as a sugar substitute to help you lose weight and achieve other health goals.

“Monk fruit is a great way to lower sugar intake,” endocrinologist and metabolic specialist Anthony Liberatore, MD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “But instead of consuming lots of zero-calorie sweeteners, focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need for good health.”

Why might monk fruit sweetener contain erythritol?

If you decide to purchase a bag of monk fruit sweetener, you should look for the ingredient erythritol. This ingredient is typically used in monk fruit sweeteners to mimic the sweetness and voluminous texture of real sugar, but there is a growing body of research, including a 2023 study in the journal Natural medicinethat link erythritol consumption to the formation of more blood clots. This led to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news: It’s not difficult at all to avoid erythritol in this sweetener. (Read our article on erythritol vs. stevia to find out what nutrition experts say about each ingredient.)

Is it possible to get monk fruit sweetener without erythritol?

The good thing about all of this is that there is monk fruit sweetener without erythritol. A store-bought version like Monk Fruit In the Raw contains no erythritol and can be used as a substitute for sugar in a 1:1 ratio, making it easy to incorporate into dishes.

How to use monk fruit sweetener

You can sweeten coffee, tea, fresh grapefruit, cakes, and other foods and beverages with monk fruit sweetener. Also try these monk fruit sweetened dessert recipes from our Test Kitchen!

Strawberry-Coconut Parfaits

Ingredients:

• 1 (¼ oz.) envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 (16 oz.) package fresh strawberries, trimmed
• 2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
• 12 drops red liquid food coloring
• 2 cups light coconut whipped cream

Application:

• Active: 40 minutes
• Total time: 3 hours
• Yield: 4 servings

1. In a microwave-safe bowl (1 liter), combine gelatin and 2 tablespoons water. Let stand 3 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Quarter 1 strawberry and set aside. Puree remaining strawberries and sweetener in food processor. Color with food coloring if needed. Set aside 1 tablespoon puree. Heat gelatin in microwave for 15 seconds until melted. Stir in remaining strawberry mixture. Chill for 30 minutes. Stir.
2. Spoon ⅓ Spoon cups coconut topping into 4 (6 oz.) glasses. Top with strawberry mixture. Chill until firm, about 2 hours. Top with remaining coconut topping, strawberry puree, and reserved strawberry quarters.

Donuts with double chocolate glaze

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1½ Cups of milk
• ½ Cup of apple sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ Cup of monk fruit sweetener
• 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
• ¾ Cup of cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 6 ounces dark chocolate, melted

Application:

• Active: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Whisk the first 5 ingredients together in a bowl. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan.
3. Bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the doughnuts comes out clean. Dip cooled doughnuts in melted chocolate. Garnish with sprinkles, if desired.

Read on to discover more feel-good sweeteners!

Do you love coffee shop drinks with sugar-free skinny syrup? Here’s how to enjoy them more cheaply

These 4 gut-friendly sweeteners satisfy your cravings for sweets without putting a strain on your gastrointestinal tract

This sweet ingredient strengthens the immune system, soothes the stomach and deepens sleep

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any treatment plan.