What Happens to Your Blood Sugar When You Add Monk Fruit to Your Diet

Monk fruit does not cause a spike in blood sugar because its sweetness comes from mogrosides, which are not absorbed or metabolized like glucose. However, some monk fruit extracts may contain additives with carbohydrates, which could have an impact on your blood sugar.

Monk Fruit’s Sweetness Comes From Mogrosides

Monk fruit contains a different type of sweet compound than regular sugar.

“Monk fruit does not significantly raise blood sugar or stimulate insulin release because its sweet compounds—mogrosides—are not metabolized as carbohydrates,” Stephani Johnson, DCN, RDN, adjunct professor in the department of clinical and preventive nutrition sciences at Rutgers University School of Health Professions, told Verywell.

In contrast, regular sugar consumption leads to rapid increases in blood glucose and insulin as it is quickly digested and absorbed, said Johnson.

“Monk fruit is considered a blood sugar-neutral sweetener and may be a better option for individuals aiming to manage glycemic control,” she added.

Monk Fruit Does Not Spike Blood Sugar

Because of way the body processes mogrosides, there is no blood sugar spike when eating monk fruit.

“In the short term, it has little to no effect on blood sugar or insulin levels, and over the long term it may help support better blood sugar control by reducing intake of added sugars,” Kacie Vavrek, RD, a dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Verywell.

This makes monk fruit a good candidate for people with diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar.

Research suggests that monk fruit extract can reduce blood sugar levels after a meal by 10%-18%. It may also reduce insulin responses by 12%-22%.

While monk fruit may help with blood sugar control, more research is needed. “Note that long-term human studies are still ongoing,” Vavrek said.

What to Look for When Buying Monk Fruit

It’s crucial to make sure you read the label of any monk fruit extract product before buying it.

“Some monk fruit products are blended with other sweeteners like erythritol, which can cause bloating or digestive discomfort for sensitive individuals,” Vavrek said. “Taste can also be an issue, as some people notice a mild aftertaste.”

Monk fruit products may also contain dextrose or maltodextrin, both of which have carbohydrates, Johnson said. This could have an adverse effect on blood sugar, especially if consumed in large amounts.