Monk fruit extract
What is Monk fruit extract?
Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener derived from the monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii), a small, round fruit native to Southeast Asia. The fruit is typically dried and then steeped in hot water to extract its sweet compounds, known as mogrosides, which are then purified and dried to form a powder.
Is Monk fruit extract vegan?
Monk fruit extract is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Monk fruit extract gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Monk fruit extract a major allergen?
Monk fruit extract is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Monk fruit extract used for?
Monk fruit extract is used as a non-caloric sweetener in a variety of food and drink products, including beverages, baked goods, and dairy alternatives.
Is Monk fruit extract safe?
Monk fruit extract is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed in the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Monk fruit extract is used as a non-caloric sweetener in a variety of food and drink products, including beverages, baked goods, and dairy alternatives. Manufacturers add it to reduce the sugar content of products while maintaining a sweet flavour profile, often in combination with other sweeteners.
Health notes
Monk fruit extract is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed in the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. Regulatory bodies such as EFSA have evaluated its safety. Mogrosides, the sweet compounds in monk fruit, are not metabolised in the same way as sugars and do not contribute calories. Evidence suggests it does not impact blood glucose levels, but more research is ongoing.
Allergen info
Monk fruit extract is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Monk fruit extract
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