Monk fruit a sweetener with added benefits

On a recent trip to Mexico, I picked up a few bags of pure powdered chocolate—mostly dark, rich, and full of character. At night, I love stirring a spoonful into my evening latte for a soothing, sleep-friendly treat. But I also had something else in mind: a simple homemade chocolate cake.

As I gathered the ingredients, I decided to skip the usual sugar and instead try a sweetener that’s been gaining popularity among health-conscious bakers and sugar-free enthusiasts: monk fruit.

What Is Monk Fruit?

Monk fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, is a small green melon native to southern China. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has long been valued for its natural sweetness and healing properties. Once dried, monk fruit is transformed into a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that’s about 150 to 200 times sweeter than regular sugar.

What makes monk fruit stand out? Aside from its intense sweetness, it contains compounds called mogrosides, which provide not only flavor but anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. In TCM, monk fruit has traditionally been brewed into teas to soothe sore throats and alleviate respiratory issues.

Monk fruit is a healthy sweetener with anti-inflammatory properties.

The Benefits of Monk Fruit as a Sugar Substitute

Unlike many sugar substitutes, monk fruit sweetener contains no calories, no carbs, and has no impact on blood glucose levels—making it a safe and appealing option for people with diabetes or those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

I’ve never been one to demonize sugar. In fact, when I do use it, I prefer raw cane sugar for its minimal processing. But I’ve generally avoided artificial sweeteners and sugar alternatives because they often come with side effects or an aftertaste I just can’t get behind. Monk fruit, however, feels like a natural exception. It’s plant-based, clean, and doesn’t carry the baggage of many synthetic sweeteners.

A Few Shopping Tips

When shopping for monk fruit sweetener, read the label carefully. Many products marketed as "monk fruit" are blended with other sweeteners like erythritol or dextrose. For the purest experience and cleanest flavor, look for a product that contains 100% monk fruit extract with no additives.

Curious to try monk fruit in your own recipes? Add it to coffee, smoothies, baked goods, or anywhere you’d normally use sugar. It’s a small change that could make a big difference in how you feel.

One brand we love? TUSOL smoothies. Made with clean, bioavailable ingredients and sweetened exclusively with monk fruit, they’re a delicious and functional way to start your day.

Have you tried monk fruit sweetener yet? Let us know what you think!