The Primary Paleovalley Sweeteners: Monk Fruit and Dates
Paleovalley is known for its commitment to using clean, whole-food ingredients, and this philosophy extends to their choice of sweeteners. Instead of stevia, which some individuals report leaves a bitter aftertaste, the brand has largely adopted monk fruit extract (also known as luo han guo) for most of its sweetened products. Monk fruit is a small, round fruit grown in Southeast Asia that contains compounds called mogrosides, which provide a sweet taste without affecting blood sugar levels.
In addition to monk fruit, other Paleovalley products, such as the Superfood Bars, are sweetened with organic dates. Dates provide a natural, caramel-like sweetness along with dietary fiber and other nutrients, aligning with the brand's focus on minimally processed, nutrient-dense ingredients.
Product-by-Product Sweetener Breakdown
The most accurate way to confirm a product's sweetener is to check the ingredient list on the official Paleovalley website or the product packaging. Here is a general guide to what sweeteners you can expect in their different product lines:
- Bone Broth Protein: Flavored versions (like chocolate and vanilla) typically contain monk fruit extract for sweetness. Unflavored varieties contain no sweeteners at all, consisting of just bone broth powder. The brand explicitly states its flavored protein powders do not contain stevia.
- Superfood Bars: These are sweetened using organic dates and monk fruit extract, not stevia or artificial sweeteners. This ensures a lightly sweet flavor profile without relying on refined sugars or sugar alcohols.
- Meat Sticks (Beef, Pork, Chicken): Most varieties, including Original, Jalapeño, and Summer Sausage, are naturally fermented and contain zero grams of sugar, with no sweeteners added. The Teriyaki flavor includes a small amount of organic honey. None of these products contain stevia.
- Other Products: For items like Organ Complex or Apple Cider Vinegar Complex, sweeteners are not typically used as they are supplement capsules or are naturally savory. In general, a product with a sweet flavor profile is the one you need to check for monk fruit or other sweeteners.
How to Check for Stevia on Labels
For consumers avoiding stevia, a simple check of the ingredients is the best practice, especially since formulations can change. Look for these specific terms on the back of the package:
- Stevia leaf extract
- Rebaudioside A or Reb A
If you see these, the product contains stevia. If the label lists 'monk fruit' or 'luo han guo,' it does not contain stevia.
Comparison: Stevia vs. Monk Fruit in Paleovalley Products
To better understand Paleovalley's choice, consider the differences between these two popular natural sweeteners.
| Feature | Paleovalley's Monk Fruit | Stevia (Commonly Used) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Organic luo han guo fruit extract | Stevia rebaudiana plant leaf extract |
| Aftertaste | Generally no aftertaste; known for clean sweetness | Can leave a slightly bitter aftertaste for some users |
| Processing | Minimally processed, often whole fruit extract | Can be highly refined, sometimes with additives |
| Usage in Products | Primary sweetener in flavored protein powders and superfood bars | Not currently used in most core products |
What Changed in Paleovalley's Formulations?
It is worth noting that Paleovalley’s stance on sweeteners has evolved. An older blog post from the brand mentioned using 'tiny amounts' of organic, whole leaf stevia in its Superfood Bars. However, the current product pages and FAQs for the Superfood Bars explicitly state they are now sweetened with dates and monk fruit, not stevia. This evolution reflects the company's continuous effort to improve product quality and respond to customer feedback regarding taste preferences and ingredient purity. This change is a positive step for consumers who prefer the taste of monk fruit over stevia's potential aftertaste.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Paleovalley and Stevia
For anyone asking, 'Does Paleovalley have stevia in it?', the current answer is generally 'no' for most of their core products. The brand has transitioned to using organic dates and monk fruit extract as its primary sweeteners across its flavored protein powders and superfood bars. While an older formulation of their superfood bars may have contained stevia, and a third-party source listed stevia in one flavor of bone broth protein, the most up-to-date information confirms they have moved away from its use. Always check the ingredient list for the most current information, but you can be confident that most modern Paleovalley products are sweetened with monk fruit or dates, not stevia.
For more information on natural sweeteners, Healthline offers a useful guide on healthy natural options.