Which sweetener does not contain erythritol? A guide to alternatives

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to studies, erythritol is often paired with other sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to enhance flavor and add bulk. For those looking to avoid this sugar alcohol, finding a sweetener that does not contain erythritol requires careful label reading and knowledge of pure alternatives. Several options exist, from concentrated plant extracts to whole-food syrups and other sugar alcohols.

Quick Summary

Several sweeteners are available without erythritol, including pure stevia extract, allulose, and xylitol. Many monk fruit products and some sucralose brands also offer erythritol-free options, but labels must be checked. Whole-food syrups like maple syrup and honey are also natural alternatives, though they contain calories and carbs.

Key Points

Pure Extracts: Pure stevia and pure monk fruit extracts are excellent zero-calorie sweeteners without erythritol, but many commercial blends contain it as a filler.
Check Labels: The most important step for finding an erythritol-free sweetener is always to read the product ingredients list carefully.
Allulose is an Alternative: Allulose is a low-calorie, zero-glycemic rare sugar that tastes and functions much like sugar, making it ideal for baking.
Consider Xylitol and Sucralose: Pure sucralose (found in original Splenda) and xylitol (a sugar alcohol) are also viable erythritol-free options, but check for digestive tolerance with xylitol.
Whole Foods Have Sweeteners: Natural caloric sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and date syrup are inherently erythritol-free but should be used in moderation due to their calorie and sugar content.
No Bitter Aftertaste: Pure monk fruit extract is generally considered to have no bitter aftertaste, unlike some stevia products, and is a strong choice for those sensitive to flavor.

Navigating Sweeteners: Pure Extracts

Pure extracts derived directly from plants, such as stevia and monk fruit, can be excellent erythritol-free options if they are not blended with fillers. These are significantly sweeter than sugar and contain virtually no calories. Many brands, however, mix these potent extracts with erythritol to create a product that measures like sugar, emphasizing the need to check ingredient lists.

Pure Stevia Extract

Derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, pure stevia extract is intensely sweet and won't affect blood sugar. Look for products labeled "100% pure stevia extract". It's available as a concentrated liquid or powder. A drawback is that a small amount is needed, making baking challenging as it lacks bulk. Some users note a slight aftertaste.

Pure Monk Fruit Extract

Pure monk fruit extract comes from the luo han guo fruit and is known for its clean sweetness, often without the bitterness sometimes found in stevia. Look for labels stating "100% pure monk fruit extract" or "no fillers". Like stevia, it's a zero-calorie, natural sweetener that doesn't impact blood sugar. It also lacks bulk for baking and can be more expensive.

Low-Calorie Alternatives

Other low-calorie sweeteners exist without erythritol, offering different characteristics.

Allulose

Allulose is a rare sugar found in some fruits. It's not metabolized by the body, providing minimal calories and no impact on blood sugar. It tastes much like sugar, can caramelize, and has no aftertaste, making it suitable for baking.

Xylitol

A sugar alcohol from plants like birch, xylitol has a low glycemic index and can benefit dental health. However, it can cause digestive upset in some and is toxic to dogs.

Pure Sucralose

While some Splenda products contain erythritol, the original yellow packets do not. Pure sucralose is an artificial, zero-calorie sweetener. Always check labels for added sugar alcohols.

Natural Caloric Sweeteners

Natural liquid sweeteners that contain calories are inherently erythritol-free.

Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener from maple trees with some antioxidants and minerals, but high in sugar and calories.
Honey: Contains enzymes and antioxidants, but is primarily sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Coconut Sugar: From coconut palm sap, it has a lower glycemic index than table sugar due to fiber but is still calorie-dense.
Dates and Date Syrup: Provide sweetness with fiber and nutrients.

Comparison of Erythritol-Free Sweeteners


Sweetener	Source	Calories	Glycemic Index	Aftertaste	Best for...
Pure Stevia	Stevia plant leaves	Zero	Zero	Can have bitter notes	Drinks, smoothies, yogurt
Pure Monk Fruit	Monk fruit (Luo Han Guo)	Zero	Zero	Minimal to none	Drinks, sauces, baking blends
Allulose	Figs, raisins, wheat (rare sugar)	Minimal	Zero	None	Baking, keto recipes, drinks
Xylitol	Birch trees, fruits, vegetables	Low	Low	Cooling sensation	Dental products, candy, gum
Pure Sucralose	Artificial (modified sugar)	Zero	Zero/Low	None	Drinks, general sweetening
Maple Syrup	Maple tree sap	High	Medium	Distinct maple flavor	Pancakes, sauces, marinades

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Choosing an erythritol-free sweetener depends on your dietary needs and intended use. For zero-calorie, zero-carb options, pure stevia or monk fruit are good for beverages. Allulose is suitable for baking due to its sugar-like properties. Always check labels for transparency and absence of fillers. If calories are not a concern, honey or maple syrup offer flavor and nutrients in moderation.

Conclusion

Finding a sweetener without erythritol is achievable with many options available, including pure plant extracts like stevia and monk fruit, low-calorie options like allulose and xylitol, and natural caloric sweeteners. The key is diligently reading product labels to avoid added erythritol.

For additional information on different types of sweeteners and their health implications, consult the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all monk fruit sweetener contains erythritol. Pure monk fruit extract is naturally free of it. However, many granulated monk fruit products are blended with erythritol as a bulking agent, so it's essential to read the ingredient label to ensure it is pure extract.

No, not all Splenda products are erythritol-free. While the original yellow Splenda packets and granular sweetener do not contain erythritol, some Splenda brand sweetener products do. You should always check the ingredients list on the packaging.

Yes, you can use pure stevia for baking, but it does not provide the bulk or volume that sugar or erythritol blends would. You may need to use a different bulking agent or adjust other ingredients in your recipe to achieve the desired texture and volume.

No, allulose is a rare sugar, not a sugar alcohol. This is an important distinction for those seeking to avoid sugar alcohols. Allulose has a taste and texture very similar to sugar, with minimal calories and no glycemic impact.

Pure stevia extract and pure monk fruit extract are the primary zero-calorie, natural sweeteners available without erythritol. They are derived directly from plants and are intensely sweet, so only small amounts are needed.

Erythritol is often added to high-intensity sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit to create a granular product that mimics the look and feel of table sugar. It provides bulk and a more familiar taste and texture, as pure extracts are too potent to measure in a 1:1 ratio with sugar.

Yes, pure maple syrup and honey are natural products that do not contain erythritol. They are, however, high in calories and natural sugars and should be used in moderation, especially if you are managing blood sugar levels.