Monk Fruit: NOW Foods’ Organic Liquid Sweetener [Ultimate Review]

Introduction

Monk fruit, a small green fruit from southern China, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is now celebrated as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. NOW Foods brings this ancient superfood to modern kitchens with their Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener, a product designed for health-conscious individuals seeking a sugar alternative. This 8-ounce bottle is certified organic, non-GMO, and has a low glycemic impact, making it perfect for keto, paleo, and diabetic-friendly diets. Let’s examine why using this sweetener in your regular routine is so revolutionary.

Key Points

NOW Foods Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener is a zero-calorie, organic, non-GMO liquid made from monk fruit extract, ideal for low-carb and diabetic diets.

Research suggests it offers health benefits like antioxidants and low glycemic impact, supporting weight management without blood sugar spikes.

It seems likely that it’s processed by extracting mogrosides¹, blended with de-ionized water and organic cane alcohol for preservation, offering up to 200 times the sweetness of sugar.

The evidence leans toward its use in beverages, baking, and cooking, with customers praising its taste and versatility, though some note a slight aftertaste.

There is some controversy around cost and availability, as it’s pricier and less common than other sweeteners, with rare allergic reactions reported.

Product Features and Benefits

This liquid sweetener stands out with its simple ingredients: de-ionized water, certified organic monk fruit extract, and 11% organic cane alcohol. It’s vegan, free from common allergens, and offers a delightful taste with minimal aftertaste, up to 200 times sweeter than sugar. Whether you’re sweetening coffee, baking cookies, or mixing smoothies, it’s simple to use with just 5 to 8 drops, shaking well before use. Packaged in the USA by NOW Foods, a family-owned company since 1968, it ensures quality and reliability.

Historical Context and Origins of Monk Fruit

Monk fruit’s history dates back to the 13th century², first mentioned in records by Chinese monks in Guangxi, particularly in the Guilin region, where it was cultivated nearly 800 years ago. Named after Buddhist monks who used it for medicinal purposes, it was employed to treat ailments like coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues, earning the nickname “longevity fruit” for its perceived health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it was often dried and steeped as a tea or used in cooling drinks for hot weather, fever, and inflammation, reflecting its cooling properties.

Its introduction to the West began in the early 20th century, with significant milestones including a 1917 display in Washington, DC, by Frederick Coville, and a botanical description in 1941 using seeds from a San Francisco shope³. Research on its sweet component, mogrosides, started in 1975 with C. H. Lee’s English report, followed by work in the early 1980s by Tsunematsu Takemoto in Japan.⁴ The FDA’s approval⁵ in 2010 marked its commercial acceptance as a sweetener, driven by growing demand for natural, low-calorie alternatives, aligning with NOW Foods’ mission to provide health-focused products.

Monk Fruit Processing and Ingredients

The sweetness of monk fruit derives from mogrosides, antioxidants that make it 100-250 times sweeter than sugar, with mogroside V⁶ being the sweetest, up to 250 times sweeter than sucrose. For NOW Foods’ product, the processing involves harvesting the fruit, crushing it, and extracting the juice, which is then mixed with de-ionized water and 11% organic cane alcohol. The de-ionized water acts as a base, ensuring purity, while the organic cane alcohol serves as a natural preservative, maintaining the product’s shelf life without synthetic chemicals. This minimal processing retains the natural properties, certified organic by QAI and non-GMO, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

The ingredients list is transparent: de-ionized water, certified organic monk fruit extract, and 11% organic cane alcohol, with no artificial additives or fillers. This simplicity contrasts with some sweeteners that include erythritol or other bulking agents, offering a pure, natural option. The liquid form, at 8 ounces, provides convenience for daily use, with instructions to shake well before using and sweeten to taste with 5 to 8 drops, making it user-friendly for beverages, baking, and cooking, as highlighted on the product page (Amazon Product Page).

Health Benefits and Scientific Insights: Monk Fruit

Monk fruit’s health benefits stem from mogrosides, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation linked to chronic diseases. It contains zero calories and carbs, making it ideal for weight management and diabetes, as it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, supported by a 2017 randomized controlled trial showing no glycemic response in young men (Healthline: Monk Fruit Sweetener). This low glycemic impact is particularly beneficial for those on keto or low-carb diets, aligning with NOW Foods’ target audience.

Preliminary studies, mostly on animals, suggest anti-cancer effects, with research indicating inhibition of leukemia cell growth and skin tumors in mice, though human studies are limited (Medical News Today: Monk Fruit Benefits). Its use in TCM for centuries supports its role in managing conditions like obesity, with ongoing research exploring its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-diabetic properties. The product’s vegan and allergen-free profile (not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients) further enhances its appeal for diverse dietary needs, as noted in retailer descriptions.

Current Uses and Market Presence

NOW Foods’ Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener is versatile, used in tabletop sweetening for coffee, tea, and smoothies, with a recommended 5 to 8 drops for taste, shaking well before use. Although its concentrated sweetness may require changes, it is acceptable for baking and can be used in place of sugar in recipes for cakes and cookies. The liquid form dissolves easily, making it ideal for cold drinks and hot beverages, and it’s stable at high temperatures, perfect for cooking sauces or dressings, as suggested by customer feedback on retail sites.

Available on Amazon and other retailers like Fruitful Yield, it’s marketed alongside other NOW Foods products, such as monk fruit powder and flavored liquids, reflecting its integration into the natural sweetener market. Its organic certification and non-GMO status appeal to health-conscious consumers, with brands like Lakanto and SweetLeaf as competitors, but NOW Foods stands out for its family-owned heritage since 1968 and commitment to quality, as seen on their official website (NOW Foods Official Website).

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Customer feedback for NOW Foods’ Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener, while specific reviews may vary, generally highlights its natural sweetness and minimal aftertaste. On platforms like Muscle & Strength, users praise its taste, noting it’s “not that strong” and perfect for sweetening tea, with comments like “I highly recommend Now Foods Monk Fruit” and “Excellent product for diabetics. I like that it doesn’t contain erythritol⁷ and xylitol⁸.” Others appreciate its versatility, mentioning ease of use in both hot and cold applications and its suitability for low-carb diets, reflecting positive reception for its health benefits.

Some reviews mention the convenience of the liquid form, with one user stating, “All three of these are the best I’ve tried so far. I highly recommend the seller and the products,” indicating satisfaction with the product’s performance. However, a few note a slight aftertaste, and there are mentions of cost concerns, given its premium pricing compared to sugar or artificial sweeteners, but overall, the consensus leans positive, supporting its appeal for health-conscious consumers seeking natural options.

Comparative Analysis and Unexpected Insights

Compared to sugar, NOW Foods’ monk fruit sweetener offers a zero-calorie alternative without blood sugar spikes, contrasting with sugar’s empty calories linked to weight gain. Against artificial sweeteners like aspartame, it’s natural and hasn’t been linked to health risks, an unexpected detail for those wary of synthetic options, as noted in health articles (Healthline: Monk Fruit Sweetener). Although both are calorie-free, monk fruit has a fruitier flavor and a less aftertaste than stevia. According to customer feedback, some people prefer monk fruit for its flavor.

Its environmental impact is positive, with sustainable cultivation practices in remote, unpolluted areas, using natural pest control like bottle traps, and supporting local economies without pesticides, which might surprise readers expecting industrial farming impacts. Its lengthy shelf life from organic cane alcohol adds practicality, an unanticipated benefit for busy households, and it is in line with NOW Foods’ organic accreditation, which increases its appeal to environmentally conscientious consumers.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While highly regarded, there are considerations. Some users report a slight aftertaste, though less noticeable than stevia, and it can be more expensive due to production costs and limited growing areas, primarily in Guilin, China. Availability may be an issue, as it’s harder to find than sugar or artificial sweeteners, and some products contain organic cane alcohol, which might be a concern for those avoiding alcohol, though it’s minimal at 11%. Rarely, allergic reactions like itching or swelling may occur, and its relatively recent market entry means long-term effects are not fully studied, with no established acceptable daily intake, though studies suggest safety up to 60 mg/kg body weight.

Conclusion – NOW Foods’ Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener

NOW Foods’ Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener stands out as a natural, zero-calorie option with deep roots in traditional Chinese medicine and growing modern applications. Its health benefits, particularly for diabetes and weight management, are promising, supported by antioxidant properties and low glycemic impact. While considerations like cost and taste exist, its versatility, organic certification, and positive customer feedback make it a compelling choice for health-conscious consumers. As research progresses, it may become even more integral to global diets, offering a sweet solution without the drawbacks of sugar.

Check out our other articles for the Healthful Hub content.

1. Recent advancements in mogrosides: A review on biological activities, synthetic biology, and applications in the food industry
2. Monk fruit, known as Luo Han Guo in China
3. A REVIEW ON: SWINGLE FRUIT (MONK FRUIT)
4. Studies on the constituents of fructus Momordicae. II. Structure of sapogenin
5. Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Determination of Monk Fruit Juice Concentrate as an Ingredient in
   Conventional Foods and in Infant and Toddler Foods
6. Mogroside V is a beta-D-glucoside and a mogroside. It has a role as a plant metabolite.
7. Erythritol: Uses, Benefits, and Risks
8. Xylitol – Uses, Side Effects, and More