What is monk fruit sweetener?
Monk fruit is growing in popularity and is commonly used as a sugar replacement in food and drinks. It is a type of sugar substitute, also known as a nonnutritive sweetener, that provides zero or very few calories. It is 200 times sweeter than table sugar. But is monk fruit good for kids? Keep reading to learn more.
What is monk fruit?
Monk fruit is a small, round fruit usually grown in China. In the U.S., it can be found in things such as cookies, yogurt and fruit-flavored drinks. Often, it is found in products that are marketed as having “reduced sugar” or “zero added sugar.”
Monk fruit is growing in popularity. According to a recent report, the monk fruit market is expected to expand from $169.1 million in 2022 to $267.8 million by 2032.
Is monk fruit safe?
Monk fruit is generally recognized as safe. This means that it has been reviewed for safety by experts, and it has not been shown to cause harm when used as intended.
However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one concern with monk fruit, and other nonnutritive sweeteners, is that consuming foods containing these ingredients may cause children to prefer sweeter foods.
Food preferences directly affect what is eaten now and later in life. These preferences are linked to overall health, wellness and weight.
Should I give my kids monk fruit?
Just like sugar, if you choose to give your kids food or drinks sweetened with monk fruit, do so once in a while.
Whole fruit is a healthier choice and can be hydrating, filling and satisfying. Fruit, along with vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy, are part of a well-balanced diet that support brain development, healthy growth, and helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
To learn more about what a well-balanced diet might look like for your family, visit .
This article was written and reviewed by Rethink Your Drink ÁùºÏ±¦µä’s team of dietetic professionals. To learn more about making healthier drink choices, , . To suggest a newsletter topic, write to RethinkYourDrinkÁùºÏ±¦µä@unr.edu, and receive a free, healthy drink recipe book.
Chenin Treftz Nickel, Ph.D., R.D., is a nutrition research scientist with Rethink Your Drink, a program offered by the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources' Department of Nutrition in collaboration with .
The program is funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP. SNAP provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more, contact 800-992-0900.
