The Monk who sold his Fruit
|We’ve received numerous inquiries about the legality of Monk Fruit Extract in protein and nutraceutical formulations.
Disclaimer: Unived does not use Monk Fruit Extract in any formulation.
Monk Fruit Extract is commercially available in two grades: 6–8% Mogroside and 14–16% Mogroside. However, as of today, Monk Fruit Extract is not listed as an approved ingredient by FSSAI for use as a sweetener in India.
We’ve spoken with multiple Indian distributors of Monk Fruit Extract. None have been able to produce a valid Form 2 or provide any documentation confirming FSSAI's approval for its use as a sweetener.
To clarify: Monk Fruit is only permitted under the category of Thermally Processed Juices - FSSAI guidelines
Any other usage, including in protein powders or powder-based nutraceuticals, is currently non-compliant when positioned as a sweetener.
We've noticed that instead of declaring the ingredient as Monk Fruit Extract under the ingredients list, brands are opting to write just Monk Fruit. This, too, is non-compliant.
To conclude: The distribution and use of Monk Fruit Extract remains a grey area. It’s one of those things that will continue, until it doesn’t. Either FSSAI will include it in the approved list of sweeteners, or they will step in to halt its distribution and use across categories where it's currently being misapplied.
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Monk Fruit Extract does give the product a slightly better mouthfeel than Stevia. Although, products that use Stevia, if formulated well, do taste good too.
The amount of research, and number of safety studies, on Stevia, far outweigh those on Monk Fruit. Although, this doesn't mean that Monk Fruit isn't safe. However, there is a need for long-term clinical trials and a harmonized regulatory framework to confirm its safety and efficacy.
