Is there an artificial sweetener that does not have erythritol? Your Guide to Alternatives

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While a 2023 study published in Nature Medicine suggested a link between high blood erythritol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, many popular sweetener blends still use this sugar alcohol. For those wondering, is there an artificial sweetener that does not have erythritol? the answer is a definitive yes, and there are many options to consider for your health and dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Several popular sweeteners, both natural and synthetic, are free of erythritol, including pure Stevia and Monk Fruit extracts, Allulose, and other sugar alcohols like xylitol. Each offers unique properties regarding calories, taste, and use cases, making it important to understand your options.

Key Points

Natural Alternatives: Pure stevia and monk fruit extracts are excellent zero-calorie, erythritol-free sweeteners derived from plants.
Ideal for Baking: Allulose is a rare sugar that tastes and behaves like regular sugar, including browning, making it perfect for baking without erythritol.
Common Sugar Alcohols: Other sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol are also erythritol-free but can cause more digestive upset in larger amounts.
Pure vs. Blends: Many commercial sweetener brands blend their main ingredient (like stevia or monk fruit) with erythritol or other fillers; always check the ingredients for pure, unadulterated options.
Application Matters: The best sweetener depends on the use case. For example, liquid drops are best for beverages, while allulose's browning ability is ideal for baking.
Taste Varies: Taste profiles differ; pure stevia can have a licorice aftertaste, while allulose offers a clean, sugar-like flavor.

Understanding the Shift from Erythritol

For years, erythritol has been a popular choice in the low-carb and ketogenic communities, praised for its minimal caloric impact and blood sugar effect. However, recent research has led some to seek alternatives. Pure erythritol is a sugar alcohol, and while it is often well-tolerated, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress like bloating or gas from consuming larger quantities. Additionally, highly publicized studies linking elevated erythritol levels to a higher risk of heart-related events have driven interest in finding equally effective sweeteners without this specific compound. This section explores a variety of viable erythritol-free options.

Natural Sweeteners without Erythritol

Pure Stevia Extract

Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Many commercial stevia products are blended with erythritol to reduce bitterness and add bulk, but pure stevia extract is widely available and contains no fillers.

Advantages: Zero calories, zero carbs, zero glycemic index impact. It is exceptionally sweet, so a little goes a long way.
Disadvantages: Some people detect a mild, licorice-like aftertaste, especially in larger quantities. Finding a pure extract without fillers or other added sweeteners is key.
Use Cases: Excellent for sweetening beverages like coffee and tea or adding to sauces and dressings. Pure liquid stevia extract is a popular choice for avoiding fillers.

Pure Monk Fruit Extract

Pure monk fruit, or luo han guo, is another natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the fruit of the same name. Its sweetness comes from compounds called mogrosides, which are powerful antioxidants. Like stevia, many monk fruit products are blended with erythritol, so it is essential to check the ingredients list for pure extract versions.

Advantages: No calories, no carbs, and zero glycemic index impact. It is heat-stable and versatile for cooking and baking.
Disadvantages: It can be expensive, and some report a lingering aftertaste, though pure monk fruit is often praised for a cleaner flavor profile than stevia.
Use Cases: Works well in beverages and recipes, and pure, concentrated extracts are often sold as liquid drops or powders.

Allulose

Allulose is a rare, naturally occurring sugar found in small quantities in foods like figs, raisins, and maple syrup. The body absorbs it but doesn't metabolize it, so it provides very few calories and doesn't affect blood sugar. This makes it an attractive alternative to erythritol for many.

Advantages: Tastes very similar to regular sugar with no aftertaste, and it browns and caramelizes like sugar, making it ideal for baking. It has a low caloric impact and no effect on blood glucose levels.
Disadvantages: It is about 70% as sweet as sugar, so larger amounts are needed. Some individuals may experience digestive upset from consuming large quantities, though generally less so than other sugar alcohols.
Use Cases: A fantastic 1:1 sugar replacement for baking, frostings, and sauces where browning is desired.

Other Sugar Alcohol and Synthetic Alternatives

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol often derived from corn cobs or birch trees. It has the same sweetness level as sugar and has a low glycemic index, though not zero like erythritol.

Advantages: Pleasant, sugar-like taste with a minty coolness. It offers dental benefits by reducing plaque and cavity-causing bacteria.
Disadvantages: It can cause gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, especially in large doses, because it is poorly absorbed. It is also highly toxic to dogs.
Use Cases: Common in chewing gums, mints, and some baked goods.

Sucralose

Sucralose is a synthetic, high-intensity sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. While the brand Splenda often contains additives, pure sucralose is available and free of erythritol.

Advantages: Zero calories and heat-stable, making it useful in a wide range of applications, including baking.
Disadvantages: Some studies suggest it might affect the gut microbiome and potentially increase cancer risk, though regulatory bodies consider it safe within acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels.
Use Cases: Beverages, baked goods, frozen desserts.

Comparison Table of Erythritol-Free Sweeteners


Feature	Pure Stevia Extract	Pure Monk Fruit Extract	Allulose	Xylitol	Sucralose	Aspartame
Origin	Plant-based (leaves)	Natural (fruit)	Natural (rare sugar)	Sugar alcohol (plants)	Synthetic	Synthetic
Sweetness	~200-400x sugar	~150-300x sugar	~70% sugar	1:1 with sugar	~600x sugar	~200x sugar
Glycemic Index	Zero	Zero	Zero	Low (7)	Zero	Zero
Taste Profile	Sweet, possible licorice aftertaste	Clean sweet, may have slight aftertaste	Sugar-like, no aftertaste	Sugar-like, minty aftertaste	Very sweet, sometimes chemical	Clean sweet, can be unstable with heat
GI Effects	Generally minimal	Generally minimal	Possible at high doses	Common at high doses	Minor, individual sensitivity	Minimal
Heat Stable	Yes	Yes	Yes, browns like sugar	Yes	Yes	No, breaks down
Best for...	Beverages, sauces, dressings	Beverages, cooking, baking	Baking, cooking, sauces	Baking, gum, dental health	General sweetening, baking	General sweetening (cold items)

Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Choosing the right erythritol-free sweetener depends on your specific needs, taste preferences, and the application. For those prioritizing a natural, zero-calorie option, pure stevia or monk fruit extracts are excellent choices. Allulose is a standout for baking due to its sugar-like properties, while xylitol is a good option for dental health, assuming no pets are in the home. Synthetic options like sucralose and aspartame remain widely used and regulated, but some concerns warrant individual research and consideration. Always read labels to ensure that your chosen product does not contain hidden fillers or bulking agents like maltodextrin, which can impact blood sugar.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a world of sweetening options exists beyond erythritol for those with dietary restrictions, specific health concerns, or simple taste preferences. By understanding the distinct characteristics of alternatives like pure Stevia, Monk Fruit, Allulose, and other sweeteners, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your nutritional goals. Experimentation with different products and forms—liquid versus powder—can help you discover the perfect alternative for your culinary needs. As with any dietary change, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'healthiest' choice can depend on individual health factors and how the sweetener is used. Pure stevia and monk fruit extracts are often considered among the healthiest options because they are plant-derived, contain zero calories, and have no glycemic impact. Allulose is another strong contender, though consuming large amounts can sometimes cause digestive issues.

Yes, it is possible to find pure monk fruit sweetener without erythritol. Many brands blend monk fruit with erythritol to reduce cost and add bulk, but pure monk fruit extract is available, typically sold as a concentrated powder or liquid drops.

Allulose is considered a favorable alternative to erythritol by many, particularly for baking, because it tastes and performs more like sugar, including browning and caramelizing. It is also less likely to cause digestive distress than other sugar alcohols, although some individuals may still be sensitive to it.

For baking, allulose is often considered the best choice because it provides bulk, browns, and caramelizes like regular sugar, and doesn't have the cooling effect associated with some other alternatives. Liquid sweeteners like pure monk fruit or stevia extracts can be used in some baked goods, but they may require adjusting the recipe's volume.

Erythritol is widely used in low-carb products because it is inexpensive, adds bulk, and has a clean, mild taste compared to other sweeteners. For many, the cardiovascular concerns raised in recent studies are still under debate, and previous research supported its general safety, leading to its continued use.

The safety of synthetic sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame has been extensively reviewed by regulatory bodies like the FDA, which have determined them to be safe for human consumption within established acceptable daily intake levels. However, some studies and reports have raised concerns about their potential effects, and individual sensitivities and preferences vary.

To ensure a product is erythritol-free, always read the ingredients list. Some brands will explicitly state 'No Erythritol' or 'Erythritol Free,' but checking the list for the word 'erythritol' or other bulking agents like maltodextrin is the most reliable method.