Arbonne, a multi-level marketing company specializing in health and wellness products, has built its reputation on using botanically-based, 'clean' ingredients. This commitment means that Arbonne avoids many of the common additives found in other supplements, including artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. When customers ask, "What is Arbonne sweetened with?", the answer is a combination of natural, plant-derived sweetening agents. The primary sweetener found across many of Arbonne's product lines is stevia leaf extract, with monk fruit also being used in specific formulations.
The primary sweeteners used by Arbonne
Steviol Glycosides (from Stevia Leaf Extract)
Stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The sweet compounds in the stevia leaf are called steviol glycosides. Arbonne sources a sustainably and ethically produced '3rd generation' stevia leaf extract for many of its products, including the popular FeelFit Pea Protein Shakes.
Benefits of Stevia:
- Zero Calories: Provides sweetness without contributing to calorie intake, making it suitable for weight management.
- No Glycemic Impact: Stevia does not raise blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people managing their blood glucose or following a low-carb diet.
- Natural Origin: It is a plant-derived sweetener, aligning with Arbonne's botanically based ingredient philosophy.
- High Sweetness Intensity: A little goes a long way, as steviol glycosides can be hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is another natural sweetener derived from a fruit cultivated in Southern China. The sweetness comes from antioxidants called mogrosides within the fruit. Arbonne uses monk fruit as a sugar-free, calorie-free sweetening component in some of its products, such as the Detoxifying Botanical Blend.
Sugars for energy and flavor balance
While many products are low-sugar and sweetened with stevia, some Arbonne products designed for energy or specific nutritional goals may contain small amounts of naturally occurring sugars. For instance, some formulations of Arbonne Fizz Sticks have been observed to include cane sugar or dextrose. This can be important for customers who are monitoring their overall sugar intake closely.
What Arbonne avoids in its sweeteners
No artificial sweeteners
Arbonne's ingredient policy explicitly states that products are not formulated with artificial sweeteners. This includes commonly used non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). By avoiding these synthetic options, Arbonne reinforces its commitment to using cleaner, more natural ingredients.
No high-fructose corn syrup
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is another ingredient on Arbonne's prohibited list. HFCS is a common sweetener in processed foods and beverages but has been questioned for its health implications. Avoiding it helps Arbonne appeal to consumers who are concerned about hidden sugars and seek out products with more transparent and wholesome ingredient lists.
Sweetener comparison: Arbonne vs. other brands
| Feature | Arbonne (using stevia/monk fruit) | Typical Competitor (using artificial sweeteners) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetener Type | Natural, plant-derived (e.g., Stevia, Monk Fruit) | Artificial (e.g., Aspartame, Sucralose) or high sugar content |
| Calorie Count | Zero or very low calories from sweeteners | Zero calories from artificial sweeteners |
| Glycemic Impact | No impact on blood glucose levels | No impact from non-nutritive sweeteners |
| Sourcing Philosophy | Focus on botanically based, 'clean' ingredients | Often driven by cost and flavor profile, less focus on natural sourcing |
| Aftertaste | Some users may experience a slight aftertaste from stevia | Can have a distinct, often chemical-like aftertaste |
Variations in Arbonne's products
It's important to remember that Arbonne is a multi-product company, and the specific sweetening agents can vary slightly depending on the item. For example, a low-sugar protein shake like the FeelFit Simply1 line is sweetened predominantly with stevia, resulting in less than one gram of sugar per serving. In contrast, some of the EnergyFizz sticks may include a small amount of cane sugar alongside steviol glycosides. Consumers should always check the ingredients list on the specific product packaging for the most accurate information. The company's commitment to avoiding artificial additives and HFCS is consistent across its nutrition product line, but the combination of natural sweeteners can differ based on flavor and formula. For specific product information, Arbonne's ingredient guide can be a helpful resource.
Conclusion
In summary, Arbonne sweetens its nutrition products primarily with natural, plant-based alternatives like stevia leaf extract and monk fruit, while explicitly avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. This approach aligns with the company's broader philosophy of using clean, botanically-based ingredients. Some products may contain minimal amounts of cane sugar or dextrose to balance flavor. For consumers seeking to minimize or eliminate artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup from their diet, Arbonne's use of natural, plant-derived options like stevia and monk fruit offers a clear alternative.
