What is Monkey Fruit Sweetener?
Monkey fruit sweetener, also known as monk fruit sweetener or lo han guo, is derived from a small, round fruit native to southern China. The fruit has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, but has recently gained popularity as a zero-calorie sweetener.The sweetness in monkey fruit comes from unique compounds called mogrosides. These antioxidants are extracted from the fruit and processed into a concentrated powder or liquid sweetener.The Bitter Truth About Monkey Fruit's Aftertaste
While monkey fruit sweetener may sound like a natural and healthy alternative to sugar, many people find the taste off-putting. The most common complaint? A distinct, artificial aftertaste that lingers long after the sweetness fades.Some describe the aftertaste as:- Bitter and metallic
- Chemical-like
- Cloying and overly sweet
- Licorice-like
Why Does Monkey Fruit Sweetener Have an Aftertaste?
The bitter aftertaste of monkey fruit sweetener can be attributed to a few factors:- Mogroside content: The mogrosides that give monkey fruit its sweetness can also contribute to a bitter, licorice-like aftertaste. The higher the mogroside concentration, the more pronounced the off-flavor.
- Processing methods: The extraction and purification process used to create monkey fruit sweetener can impact its final flavor. Some methods may result in a cleaner taste, while others produce a more noticeable aftertaste.
- Personal taste preferences: Some people are more sensitive to bitter flavors than others, making them more likely to detect and be bothered by the aftertaste of monkey fruit sweetener.
Is Monkey Fruit Sweetener Really Natural?
Another issue with monkey fruit sweetener is its questionable claim to being "natural." While the mogrosides are derived from a fruit, the extraction and processing methods used to create the final product are far from natural.Most commercial monkey fruit sweeteners are highly refined and may contain additional ingredients like:- Erythritol or other sugar alcohols
- Dextrose or other fillers
- Natural flavors or masking agents
A Smarter Sweetener Solution
If you're looking for a zero-calorie sweetener that doesn't come with a bitter aftertaste, consider Sweetein. This innovative sugar substitute is:- Made from 100% sweet vegetable protein
- 5000x sweeter than sugar
- Zero calorie, zero carb, and zero glycemic
- Free from artificial ingredients and fillers