What artificial sweetener has no carbs? Unpacking the Best Low-Carb Options

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), artificial and low-calorie sweeteners are approved for consumption and can be a safe alternative to sugar for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake. If you're wondering what artificial sweetener has no carbs, the answer lies in understanding both the pure compounds and the common additives found in packaged products. Pure forms of sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extract are non-nutritive and contain zero calories and carbohydrates, while blended products often contain fillers that add a small amount.

Quick Summary

Several sugar substitutes, including pure stevia extract and monk fruit, are non-nutritive and pass through the body without contributing carbs or calories. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol, also has zero net carbs. However, many commercial products are blends that contain fillers like maltodextrin, which can add a negligible carb count.

Key Points

Pure Extracts Have No Carbs: Natural sweeteners like pure stevia and monk fruit extract contain zero carbohydrates and zero calories.
Fillers Add Carbs: The packets or bulk versions of sweeteners often contain fillers like maltodextrin or dextrose, which add a small, though often negligible, amount of carbohydrates.
Erythritol is Zero Net Carb: As a sugar alcohol, erythritol is not metabolized by the body, giving it a zero net carb count and making it suitable for low-carb diets.
Allulose is Effectively Zero Carb: This 'rare sugar' is minimally metabolized and contributes zero net carbs, with a low glycemic index.
Net Carbs are Key: The concept of 'net carbs' allows for the subtraction of non-digestible components like fiber and some sugar alcohols, which is important for many low-carb diets.
Check the Label: Always read the ingredients list to identify any added fillers in your sweetener product, especially if you are on a very strict low-carb diet.

Navigating the World of Zero-Carb Sweeteners

For individuals on ketogenic, low-carb, or diabetic diets, finding a sweetener that provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels is a key part of meal planning. While many consumers use the terms "artificial" and "natural" interchangeably, the zero-carb options encompass both categories and are distinguished by their minimal to non-existent effect on blood glucose. Understanding the differences between these options, particularly between the pure compounds and the packaged blends, is crucial for those who are meticulously tracking their carbohydrate intake.

Popular Zero and Low-Carb Sweeteners

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, are extracted from the leaves. In its pure form, stevia extract is not a carbohydrate and contains zero calories and zero net carbs. It is also known to have a glycemic index of zero, meaning it won't raise your blood sugar. However, pure stevia is intensely sweet and often has a distinct aftertaste, which some people find bitter or licorice-like. To make it more palatable and easier to measure, many commercially available stevia products are blended with bulking agents such as erythritol, dextrose, or maltodextrin. It is these fillers that can contribute a small amount of carbs to the total nutritional profile of a packet, so it's essential to read the ingredients list carefully.

Monk Fruit

Like stevia, monk fruit, or luo han guo, is a natural sweetener extracted from a fruit native to China. Its sweetening compounds, known as mogrosides, are responsible for its zero-calorie and zero-carb profile. Monk fruit sweetener is significantly sweeter than sugar and, in its pure form, is considered a zero-glycemic sweetener. Many brands, such as Lakanto, blend monk fruit extract with erythritol to create a granular sweetener that measures and behaves like sugar. This blend offers the sweetness of monk fruit with a better texture and taste profile, often with no or very low net carbs.

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables but is also commercially produced. It is one of the most popular low-carb sweeteners because it is absorbed by the body but not metabolized, meaning it passes through the system without contributing calories or raising blood sugar. This gives it a significant advantage over other sugar alcohols like xylitol or maltitol, which are partially metabolized and can affect blood sugar and cause digestive issues in larger quantities. Erythritol has virtually zero net carbs, making it a reliable choice for keto and low-carb diets. It has a clean taste, though some people report a slight cooling sensation on the tongue, especially in higher concentrations.

Sucralose (Pure Form)

Sucralose is a chlorinated sugar molecule, making it an artificial sweetener. In its pure form, it is not metabolized by the body and therefore provides zero calories and zero carbs. The most widely recognized sucralose-based product is Splenda. However, it's important to note that a single packet of Splenda contains not just sucralose but also bulking agents like maltodextrin and dextrose, which can add a gram or so of carbohydrates. For those on a strict zero-carb diet, pure sucralose powder or liquid drops would be the correct choice, rather than the more common packaged products.

The Nuances of Net Carbs

When evaluating low-carb sweeteners, the concept of net carbs is critical. Net carbs are the total carbohydrates minus fiber and sugar alcohols that the body doesn't digest or absorb. This is why sweeteners like erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol, are counted as zero net carbs. However, this is not a universally recognized calculation by the FDA, so it's a practice more common among specific dieting communities like keto followers. For maximum accuracy, it's always best to examine the ingredients list for added fillers.

Comparison of Zero and Low-Carb Sweeteners


Sweetener	Type	Net Carbs (Pure Form)	Glycemic Index	Aftertaste	Common Use	Potential Digestive Issues
Stevia	Natural	0	0	Can be bitter/licorice-like	Beverages, packets, blends	Minimal; can occur with fillers
Monk Fruit	Natural	0	0	Can be slightly fruity/off-taste	Beverages, packets, blends	Minimal; can occur with fillers
Erythritol	Sugar Alcohol	0	0	Mild, cooling sensation	Baking, bulk blends	Low risk, less than other sugar alcohols
Allulose	Rare Sugar	0*	1*	Clean, similar to sugar	Baking, liquids	Can cause GI discomfort in large doses
Pure Sucralose	Artificial	0	0	Can be subtle or absent	Liquids, powders	Minimal; bulk products can cause issues

*Note: Allulose has minimal, non-metabolized carbs and a low glycemic index, qualifying it as effectively zero net carb.

Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing the best zero-carb sweetener depends on individual needs, taste preferences, and intended use. For baking, erythritol or a monk fruit/erythritol blend is often preferred for its granular texture and volume. For sweetening beverages, liquid stevia or pure sucralose drops offer a convenient, filler-free option. For diabetics or strict keto dieters, always checking the ingredients for maltodextrin or other fillers is the safest practice. For a more comprehensive look at nutritional values, resources like the University of Rochester Medical Center offer detailed information.

Conclusion

While many commercial products contain fillers, there are indeed several sweeteners that provide true zero or near-zero carb content in their pure forms. Natural options like stevia and monk fruit, and the sugar alcohol erythritol, offer reliable ways to enjoy sweetness without the glycemic impact of sugar. By understanding the distinction between pure extracts and blended products, consumers can make informed choices that support their dietary goals, whether for weight management, blood sugar control, or general health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure stevia extract from the stevia plant is not a carbohydrate and contains zero calories and zero net carbs. However, many powdered stevia products on the market are blends that include fillers like maltodextrin or dextrose, which can add a small amount of carbs.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is not metabolized by the body and is widely considered to have zero net carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for keto and low-carb diets. While technically a carb, its structure allows it to pass through the body without affecting blood sugar.

In its pure form, monk fruit sweetener contains zero calories and zero carbohydrates, primarily due to its active sweetening compound, mogrosides. Like stevia, commercially available versions may contain fillers like erythritol, which, while having zero net carbs, can slightly alter the nutritional profile.

Pure sucralose is calorie- and carb-free. However, popular brands like Splenda use bulking agents, such as maltodextrin and dextrose, to make the product easier to measure. These added fillers contribute a small amount of calories and about 1 gram of carbohydrates per packet.

Allulose is a 'rare sugar' that is minimally metabolized by the body, so it contributes virtually zero net carbs and calories. While it is a sugar, its unique structure means it has a negligible effect on blood sugar and is considered a great low-carb alternative.

To ensure your sweetener has zero carbs, read the nutrition label carefully. Look for products listed as pure extracts or liquids. For bulk or powdered options, check the ingredient list for any added fillers like maltodextrin, dextrose, or other sugar alcohols that could contribute to the total carb count.

The difference between total carbs and net carbs is that net carbs exclude carbohydrates from fiber and sugar alcohols that the body does not fully digest or absorb. For zero-carb sweeteners like erythritol, the total carb count may be higher, but the net carb count is zero because it is not metabolized in the same way as regular sugar.