What Sweetener Does Better Blend Use? It Depends on the Product

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

In the health-conscious market, many brands promise low-sugar options, but what sweetener does Better Blend use? The answer varies depending on the specific product line, as the company behind the popular smoothies and protein powder utilizes different natural alternatives like stevia and monk fruit.

Quick Summary

Better Blend smoothies use organic stevia, while the Better Blends protein powder product line is sweetened with monk fruit extract, a key distinction for consumers.

Key Points

Stevia in Smoothies: Better Blend uses organic stevia to sweeten its low-sugar smoothie products.
Monk Fruit in Protein Powder: The 'Better Blends' protein powder product line, separate from the smoothies, is sweetened with monk fruit extract.
Natural & Zero-Calorie: Both stevia and monk fruit are natural, zero-calorie sweeteners derived from plants.
Taste Profile: Stevia can have a subtle aftertaste, while monk fruit is generally known for a cleaner taste.
Product Differentiation: The use of different sweeteners helps tailor the flavor and gut-health benefits to specific products, like the 'gut-friendly' protein powder.
Check the Label: To know for certain, consumers should always check the ingredient list of the specific Better Blend or Better Blends product they are buying.

The Tale of Two Brands: Smoothies vs. Protein Powder

For those seeking a low-sugar, high-protein lifestyle, the choice of sweetener in supplements and health drinks is paramount. The question of what sweetener does Better Blend use is more complex than it appears, primarily because the name is associated with two distinct product lines: Better Blend (the smoothie shops) and Better Blends (the protein powder). This article will clarify the sweeteners used in each and shed light on why companies choose different options for different products.

Better Blend Smoothies: Naturally Sweetened with Stevia

An Instagram post from Better Blend confirms that the brand uses organic stevia to sweeten its smoothies, replacing traditional added sugars. Stevia is a zero-calorie, natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. Its use in health beverages is popular for several reasons:

Natural Origin: Stevia appeals to consumers looking for naturally sourced ingredients.
No Calories: Because it contains no calories, it allows for sweet flavor without affecting the overall nutritional profile.
High Potency: Stevia is 200 to 400 times sweeter than regular sugar, meaning a tiny amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness.
Taste Profile: While some people can detect a slightly licorice-like or bitter aftertaste, many modern formulations have refined the taste.

Better Blends Protein Powder: Gut-Friendly Monk Fruit

In contrast, the pre-packaged 'Gut Friendly Protein Powder' from Better Blends lists monk fruit extract as its sweetener. Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a small, round fruit native to Southern China. Similar to stevia, it offers a zero-calorie, natural way to add sweetness, but with a different flavor profile and added benefits.

Natural Origin: Like stevia, monk fruit is a natural, plant-based sweetener.
Gut Health Benefits: The company specifically markets its protein powder as 'gut-friendly', and monk fruit extract is noted for not causing digestive discomfort or bloating like some other sweeteners.
Clean Taste: Many people find monk fruit to have a cleaner, less bitter taste than stevia.
Potent Sweetness: Monk fruit is also intensely sweet, approximately 250 to 400 times sweeter than sugar.

Why the Different Sweeteners?

There are several strategic reasons a company might use different sweeteners for different products. For Better Blend and Better Blends, it likely comes down to product-specific goals:

Taste and Formulation: The taste of a high-protein powder requires careful balancing to mask any bitterness from the protein source. Monk fruit may provide a cleaner taste profile that pairs well with the other ingredients in the protein powder, especially those targeting gut health. For smoothies, the fruit and other natural flavors can help mask any subtle aftertaste from stevia.
Ingredient Alignment: The use of monk fruit in the "gut-friendly" protein powder aligns with the product's overall marketing message. Monk fruit's reputation for being gentle on the stomach supports the brand's focus on digestive wellness.
Consumer Preference: Offering different sweetener options across product lines caters to a wider consumer base. Some people prefer the taste or health perception of stevia, while others may opt for monk fruit.

Comparison Table: Stevia vs. Monk Fruit in Better Blend Products


Feature	Better Blend Smoothies (Stevia)	Better Blends Protein Powder (Monk Fruit)
Origin	Plant-based (Stevia plant)	Fruit-based (Monk fruit)
Aftertaste	Can have a licorice-like aftertaste, though modern formulations minimize this	Generally cleaner, less bitter aftertaste
Sweetness	200-400x sweeter than sugar	250-400x sweeter than sugar
Calories	Zero	Zero
Primary Use	Sweetening blended beverages	Protein powders, gut health emphasis

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, both stevia and monk fruit are excellent zero-calorie alternatives to sugar that can help satisfy a sweet craving while adhering to dietary goals. When choosing between the different Better Blend product lines, it is always best to check the specific ingredient list for the most accurate information on sweeteners. This allows you to select the product that best aligns with your taste preferences and health considerations. For those with digestive sensitivities, the monk fruit option may be a more comfortable choice, while others might prefer the taste profile of stevia in their smoothies. For general information on food additives and sweeteners, the FDA offers extensive resources.

Conclusion

So, what sweetener does Better Blend use? For their popular smoothies, the answer is organic stevia. For their separate 'Better Blends' protein powder line, the sweetener of choice is monk fruit extract. This distinction demonstrates the company's nuanced approach to product formulation, offering different natural, zero-calorie options to meet the varying needs and preferences of their customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Better Blend smoothies use organic stevia as their primary sweetener, allowing for a sweet taste without added sugar or excess calories.

Yes, the 'Better Blends' protein powder, particularly the gut-friendly version, is sweetened with monk fruit extract.

The company likely uses different sweeteners to optimize taste profiles for specific products and align with marketing messages, such as emphasizing the 'gut-friendly' nature of the protein powder with monk fruit.

Stevia is considered a natural, plant-based sweetener because it is extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant.

Neither sweetener is definitively 'better', as both are natural and zero-calorie. The choice depends on personal preference regarding taste, as monk fruit often has a cleaner taste while stevia can have a slight aftertaste.

Better Blend products are designed to be low in sugar, with the sweetness coming from natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. However, some smoothies may contain minimal amounts of natural sugars from fruits.

Monk fruit is generally considered safe and is often noted for not causing digestive discomfort or bloating, making it suitable for sensitive stomachs.