Written by James Costa, Sneakz Organic COO

We often receive questions about our choice of monk fruit over other artificial sweeteners or other sweetener options. It's a legit question. We have a reason. We have a reason and thought process for each product that we put into our products.

Here's the scoop on Monk Fruit.

What is Monk Fruit?

Monk fruit, or Luo Han Guo (罗汉果) as it's known in China, is a small, green gourd native to Southern China. It has been used for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the 13th century. Buddhist monks first cultivated monk fruit for its natural sweetness and medicinal properties. In fact, legend has it that the fruit was specifically grown at the request of the Chinese Emperor's court. With its long history and numerous health benefits, monk fruit is particularly beneficial for younger individuals, including children.

A Historical Overview of Monk Fruit

Monk fruit's use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty. It wasn't just a sweet treat but was also used for its health-boosting properties, such as relieving coughs - much like we used honey - improving digestion, soothing the stomach, and improving mood and over-all health. The sweetness of monk fruit comes from its natural compounds called mogrosides, which are up to 300 times sweeter than sugar—without any of the added calories.

Mogrosides is comprised of mogrol with glucose. Mogrosides are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, thus they do not provide calories. When mogrosides reach the colon, gut microbes cleave off the glucose molecules and use them as an energy source. 

Glucose is mainly used as energy and food for our brains.

This unique quality - sweeter and with less calories  - has helped monk fruit grow in popularity, especially among health-conscious individuals and families.

The Health Benefits of Monk Fruit for Children

Monk fruit offers a variety of health benefits that make it an ideal sweetener for children and young people:

• Low-Calorie Sweetness: Unlike sugar, monk fruit contains almost no calories, helping to maintain a healthy weight in children.
• Stable Blood Sugar Levels: Monk fruit doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, making it a safe option for kids predisposed to insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes.
• No Artificial Additives: Monk fruit is a 100% natural sweetener, unlike artificial sweeteners, which often contain synthetic chemicals that may pose health risks.
• Antioxidant Properties: The mogrosides in monk fruit have antioxidant effects, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

How Monk Fruit Compares to Other Sweeteners

When compared to other sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and even stevia, monk fruit holds a distinct edge. Many artificial sweeteners have been linked to potential digestive issues and other health concerns. Monk fruit, however, is all-natural and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, making it a healthier alternative for your family.

Plus, while traditional sugar can cause dental decay and contribute to obesity, monk fruit doesn’t harm dental health, making it a safer option for children who love sweet treats.

It is key to use natural Monk fruit. Highly processed forms of Monk Fruit may have been produced using chemical methods like those commonly used with Stevia or artificial sweeteners. Sometimes manufacturers will combine maltodextrin or dextrose to Monk Fruit to produce more at a lower cost. Again this can change the nutritional profile of the sweetener making it undesirable for some with sensitive stomachs. Natural or raw forms are the best.

Regulatory Assurance

Monk fruit is regulated under strict food safety standards in both China and the United States. In China, the National Health Commission (NHC) oversees its production, ensuring it meets health and safety standards. In the U.S., monk fruit is classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, allowing it to be included in a wide variety of food products without pre-market approval. This means you can trust the safety and quality of monk fruit when it's included in products.

Pick Monk Fruit. It's Safe and Sweet.

As families around the world seek healthier alternatives to traditional sugar, monk fruit offers an ancient solution to a modern problem. Its rich history, combined with its health benefits and regulatory approval, makes it an ideal option for parents looking for natural, healthy choices for their children. By replacing sugar with monk fruit, you can enjoy the sweet taste you love without significantly impacting your health. 

At Sneakz Organic, we believe in “Good for you, Fun for you,” and we will continue to use monk fruit as a key natural ingredient. It’s a healthier, safer, and tastier alternative to industrialized additives. However, we are continuing to study new options and methods for sweetening our products. We'll let you know if and when we find better and safer options.

So next time you're satisfying your sweet tooth, remember: monk fruit is the smart choice for you and your family.