Monk fruit market growth looks sweet for US buyers
As Americans search for the next big thing in sugar reduction, the global monk fruit market is shaping up to be one of the industry’s sweetest success stories.
Native to southern China, the small, round fruit is commonly used as a zero-calorie substitute, thanks to its extreme sweetness due to its high content of mogrosides. Additionally, it does not affect glucose levels, making it ideal for people suffering from diabetes and health-conscious shoppers.
A recent report by marketing research firm Research Intelo valued the category at $635 million in 2024, projecting it to reach $1.21 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4 percent.
Analysts cite growing consumer interest in cutting sugar intake and clean-label formulations as key drivers.
Monk fruit benefits fuel opportunities
Research Intelo’s report further states that food and beverage manufacturers remain the largest monk fruit users, incorporating it into soft drinks, yogurts, confectionery items, and other reprocessed foods. Heat stability has also supported broader adoption of monk fruit in baked goods and shelf-stable applications.
The product has gained additional momentum thanks to advancements in extraction technology, which have improved the quality and consistency of high-purity extracts. The firm says these innovations have additionally reduced production costs and improved scalability.
But high production costs continue to be a hurdle, which, combined with limited consumer awareness in some regions, has constrained growth, the report notes. Additionally, regulations in certain markets also challenge companies pursuing global expansion.
North America is projected to see meaningful expansion at an annual growth rate of 6.6 percent from 2024 to 2030, according to additional data by Grand View Research.
Innovation enhances flavor
Recent processing innovations have helped manufacturers produce monk fruit extracts with “consistent sweetness and minimal aftertaste,” improving performance across beverages, baked goods, and supplements.
This, says Research Intelo, poises the category to grow through functional foods, nutraceuticals, and personal care products.
The report concludes that potential partnerships between ingredient suppliers and health-focused brands may further accelerate adoption, and investment in research exploring the fruit’s health benefits could also support longer-term expansion.
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