Tabletop sweeteners
Splenda Monk Fruit
100 mL
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
Why it scores 70
Splenda Monk Fruit scores 70 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Sodium benzoate: Benzoates can form small amounts of benzene in drinks that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), especially with heat or light. Strong
- minus 2.5 points Monk fruit extract: WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. Emerging
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better sugar substitutes
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Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener NOW® Real Food · 2 fl oz Not ultra-processed · No sodium benzoate Score 100 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Monk Fruit Pure Extract NuNaturals · 0.71 oz Not ultra-processed · No sodium benzoate Score 98 out of 100 , 28 points higher -
Monk Fruit Organic Sweetener Granular Packets SweetLeaf · 1.13 oz/32 g Not ultra-processed · No sodium benzoate Score 95 out of 100 , 25 points higher -
Truvia Truvia · 2.7 fl oz Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 30 points higher -
Organic Monk Fruit Packets NOW® Real Food · 2.47 oz/70 g Not ultra-processed · No sodium benzoate Score 95 out of 100 , 25 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Monk Fruit
Ingredients
- Sodium benzoate minus 7.5 points
- Monk fruit extract minus 2.5 points
- Potassium sorbate minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
100 − 30.5 = 69.5 → 70
Nutrition per 100 g
| Added sugars | 0 g |
|---|
Serving: 1 squeeze (1 ml)
Ingredients
Label text, as published
WATER, MONK FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE.
Allergens and diets
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
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“Artificial colours or a sodium benzoate preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the general population.”
doi.org
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Re-evaluation of benzyl alcohol (E 1519) as food additive (records the 2016 benzoate re-evaluation)
“derived a group ADI of 5 mg/kg bw per day (expressed as benzoic acid) in accordance with the ADI previously derived by SCF and JECFA”
doi.org
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WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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“By applying a default uncertainty factor of 100, the Panel established a group ADI expressed as 11 mg sorbic acid/kg bw per day for sorbic acid (E 200) and its potassium salt (E 202).”
doi.org
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21 CFR 182.3640 Potassium sorbate
ecfr.gov
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“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org