Monkeruit Extract

Monk fruit extract is a sweetener derived from the monk fruit, a small, round fruit native to Southeast Asia. The extract is made by harvesting the fruit, extracting its juice, and then processing it to isolate the sweet compounds, called mogrosides. These mogrosides are intensely sweet and are what give monk fruit extract its sweetening properties.

Monk fruit extract is used as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener in a variety of food and beverage products. Manufacturers add it to reduce sugar content while maintaining sweetness. It is commonly found in baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and confectionery.

In the U.S., monk fruit extract is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a sweetener. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated monk fruit extract and its sweetening compounds. Studies suggest that mogrosides may have antioxidant properties. At typical consumption levels, monk fruit extract is considered safe.