Keto Baking & Cooking Using Low-Carb Sweeteners | Monk Fruit, Erythritol & Stevia

Ketogenic baking and cooking is a popular trend among those following a ketogenic diet, also known as "keto". This eating pattern involves consuming high-fat and low-carb and is designed to put the body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.

One of the main challenges of following a ketogenic diet is finding low-carb alternatives to traditional ingredients, especially when it comes to sweeteners. This is where monk fruit, erythritol, and stevia come in as the top natural options for keto baking and cooking.

Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a small round fruit native to southern China and northern Thailand. It is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, but it has zero carbohydrates and calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. This makes it an excellent sweetener for those on a ketogenic diet. It is also a great option for those who are sensitive to the aftertaste that some artificial sweeteners can leave, or those who prioritize pure, natural sweeteners over lab-made, artificial ones. 

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is 60-70% as sweet as sugar, but it has almost zero calories and does not affect blood sugar levels. While erythritol does contain some carbohydrates, they are in a form known as 'sugar alcohols', which do not get absorbed by the body. Erythritol is also a great option for those following a ketogenic diet, as it has a glycemic index of zero. It has a cool, refreshing taste and can be used in baking and cooking as a sugar replacement.

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is about 300 times sweeter than sugar, has zero calories, and does not affect blood sugar levels. Stevia is a great option for those following a ketogenic diet for people who prioritize pure, natural sweeteners over lab-made, artificial ones. 

When using these sweeteners in baking and cooking, it is important to note that they may not behave exactly the same as sugar in recipes. For example, erythritol doesn't caramelize like sugar does, and stevia may have a slight aftertaste. However, MonkVee Golden Monk Fruit with Erythritol and MonkVee Original Monk Fruit with Erythritol are as close to regular sugar as it gets. These two products are 1:1 sugar replacement that tastes like sugar without the calories and negative health impact of regular sugar.

That is why erythritol is added to MonkVee Golden Monk Fruit and Original Monk Fruit. It serves as a "concentration equalizer" of sorts - since pure monk fruit is significantly sweeter than sugar and doesn't convert easily in most recipes. For more information on this, read our blog post here

Build Your MonkVee® Box

Ditch the sugar & lab made sweeteners for good!

Mac: Command + F to find your question

Commonly Asked Questions

Why use Monk Fruit Sweetener?

MonkVee® Monk Fruit Sweeteners are 100% natural and zero calories. Unlike sugar which is known to be the leading cause of dozens of awful chronic illnesses such as certain cancers, diabetes, and other killers. MonkVee® Monk Fruit (and Stevia extract) are the healthiest known sweeteners available on the market today. Unlike lab-made artificial sweeteners, MonkVee® is your #1 choice for pure, natural, delicious sweetness. No More sugar spikes and sugar crashes, jitters, diseases, tooth decay and cavities... The list goes on. Try MonkVee® and enter the sweet life!

Will monk fruit sweetener activate yeast

Monk fruit doesn't activate yeast like sugar does, however, by using MonkVee® Monk Fruit, you can reduce the sugar in your recipe overall and have a much healthier outcome! And it will taste just as good! See our full article about baking with monk fruit here.

What is monk fruit?

Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a small green melon native to Southeast Asia. It's valued for its sweetness and health benefits.

How is monk fruit sweetener made?

Monk fruit sweetener is made by extracting the natural sugars from the monk fruit, resulting in a concentrated sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar.

Is monk fruit sweetener a good sugar alternative for baking?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used as a sugar alternative in baking. It provides sweetness without the calories or blood sugar spikes associated with regular sugar.

Does monk fruit sweetener have any calories?

Monk fruit sweetener is calorie-free, making it an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used by people with diabetes?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is a suitable option for people with diabetes because it does not affect blood sugar levels.

Is monk fruit sweetener safe for weight loss diets?

Monk fruit sweetener can be a helpful tool for those on weight loss diets as it provides sweetness without the calories of sugar.

Does monk fruit sweetener have an aftertaste?

Monk fruit sweetener typically does not have an aftertaste, especially when compared to other artificial sweeteners.

Can monk fruit sweetener help with acne?

While there's no direct evidence linking monk fruit sweetener to acne, reducing sugar intake, including monk fruit sweetener, may contribute to clearer skin for some individuals.

Does monk fruit sweetener affect sleep quality?

Monk fruit sweetener does not directly affect sleep quality. However, consuming it in excess before bedtime may lead to digestive discomfort, which could impact sleep.

Are there any known side effects of consuming monk fruit sweetener?

Monk fruit sweetener is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) according to the FDA.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in hot beverages like coffee or tea?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be added to hot beverages like coffee or tea to sweeten them without adding calories.

Is monk fruit sweetener suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is vegan-friendly as it is derived from the fruit and does not contain any animal products.

How does monk fruit sweetener compare to other natural sweeteners like stevia?

Monk fruit sweetener and stevia are both natural sweeteners with zero calories, but monk fruit is often considered to have a cleaner, more sugar-like taste.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in cold beverages?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used to sweeten cold beverages like iced tea or lemonade without any issues.

Does monk fruit sweetener contain any artificial ingredients?

No, monk fruit sweetener is made from the natural sugars found in the monk fruit and does not contain any artificial ingredients.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in recipes that require caramelization?

Monk fruit sweetener can be used in recipes that require caramelization, but it may not caramelize in the same way that sugar does.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in homemade jams and preserves?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used to sweeten homemade jams and preserves instead of sugar. It will provide sweetness without adding extra calories.

Does monk fruit sweetener have a glycemic index?

Monk fruit sweetener has a glycemic index of zero, meaning it does not raise blood sugar levels.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in raw desserts?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used in raw desserts to add sweetness without the need for cooking or baking.

Is monk fruit sweetener suitable for people with gluten intolerance?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is gluten-free and can be safely consumed by people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in homemade salad dressings?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used to sweeten homemade salad

Is monk fruit sweetener suitable for people following a ketogenic diet?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener is suitable for those on a ketogenic diet as it does not contain any carbohydrates or sugars that could affect ketosis.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in beverages other than tea and coffee?

Absolutely! Monk fruit sweetener can be used in various beverages like smoothies, cocktails, and flavored water to add sweetness without the extra calories.

Does monk fruit sweetener affect blood sugar levels?

No, monk fruit sweetener does not affect blood sugar levels as it has a glycemic index of zero. It's a suitable option for those monitoring their blood sugar.

Is monk fruit sweetener safe for pregnant women?

Monk fruit sweetener is generally considered safe for pregnant women, but it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Can monk fruit sweetener be used in homemade granola bars?

Yes, monk fruit sweetener can be used in homemade granola bars to provide sweetness without the added sugar. It's a healthier option for snacks.