Whether you’re practicing a low-carb or keto lifestyle or merely trying to cut back on the sweet stuff, sugar substitutes like monk fruit and stevia extract are good choices to sweeten your foods without the added carbs and calories.
We know how harmful too many added sugars can be in your diet, potentially contributing to all sorts of health complications. But giving up sweets altogether? Heartbreaking.
Monk fruit and stevia extracts have little to no calories, which makes them a better alternative for people who are trying to shed some weight, says certified nutritionist Anju Mobin.
Mobin adds that these sweeteners have little to no effect on blood sugar levels, which may be helpful for those trying to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Usually, the only battles we like to see at BODi are at the battle ropes. But today, we’re “battling” monk fruit vs. stevia: Is one better than the other? What are the differences?
Monk fruit, or luo han guo extract, is a natural calorie- and carb-free sweetener extracted from a South Asian fruit of the same name. Here are some of the benefits of monk fruit extract:
Native to South America, stevia is a sweetener that originates from the stevia plant, consumed in both a powder and liquid form. Here are the benefits of stevia extract:
The two non-nutritive sweeteners are quite similar, so choosing one over the other largely comes down to taste preference. However, you may also need to consider cost and availability.
Monk fruit is typically more expensive, so stevia may be a better option for those on a budget. Monk fruit is also not as widely accessible as stevia, though there are online options for delivery.
While many regular supermarkets might not yet carry monk fruit, you can find many options online or at Whole Foods. Some may be blended with other sweeteners, which is something to look out for! Here are a few options:
Stevia is much more widely accessible than monk fruit. You can find it at most grocery stores, Target, drugstores, and online. Keep in mind that some are pure, while others may be blends with other sweeteners. Here are some options:
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