If you’re looking for a natural sweetener, monk fruit may be on your radar. Known for its zero-calorie sweetness, monk fruit is a popular sugar substitute. But if you live in the UK, you may be wondering, “Is monk fruit legal here?”
Let’s take a closer look at the status of monk fruit in the UK, recent regulatory changes and what this means for consumers and businesses.
Monkfruit controversy: An overview
Monk fruit (Luo Han Guo) is a small green melon native to Southeast Asia and primarily grown in China. Its sweet taste comes from unique compounds called mogrosides that do not affect blood sugar levels, making it an attractive option for those seeking a low-calorie, low-glycemic sweetener.
For many years, monk fruit products faced regulatory challenges in the UK and EU due to their ‘novel food’ classification. Under this label, ingredients had to undergo rigorous safety evaluations before being approved for sale, limiting the availability of monk fruit. However, recent rulings have reversed this.
FSA changes: monk fruit decoctions now allowed
In June 2024, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) published an important update. Aqueous decoctions (water-based extracts) of Luo Hanguo are no longer considered novel foods. The ruling means these decoctions made from monk fruit without significant processing can be legally sold in the UK. This means you can also buy monk fruit sweetener in the UK.
The FSA’s decision follows a High Court case challenging the classification of monk fruit as a novel food. Historical evidence of monk fruit consumption before 1997 played a role, as foods with a long history in the UK or EU prior to 1997 do not require new food status. The ruling effectively means that less processed forms of monk fruit can be sold without further regulatory action.
What types of monk fruit are legal in the UK?
Specifically:
Aqueous decoctions (non-concentrated form): These Luo Han Guo extracts have been approved as non-novel and are now legally permitted for use in food and drink in the UK. This change has opened up opportunities for British brands to incorporate monk fruit into a range of products aimed at reducing sugar.
Monk fruit sweeteners (concentrated extracts): Highly concentrated monk fruit sweeteners (similar to mogroside extracts used as sugar substitutes in other countries) are still classified as novel foods. To sell these legally in the UK, companies must go through a full novel food approval process with the FSA.
This distinction allows monk fruit decoctions to be on the shelves while maintaining restrictions on more concentrated forms, which still require a safety assessment for UK consumers.
What impact will this have on UK consumers and businesses?
For consumers, this decision means monk fruit ingredients are likely to be included in a wider range of products on UK shelves. The ruling will encourage innovation in food and beverage manufacturing, as brands will have more freedom to experiment with monk fruit as a natural sweetener option in low-sugar formulations.
This update lowers the regulatory barrier for UK-based businesses, particularly those looking to meet the growing demand for natural sweeteners. Monk fruit decoctions can be legally incorporated into new food and beverage products without going through a costly and time-consuming new food approval process.
Implications for the future of monk fruit in the UK
The FSA’s decision is a victory for monk fruit lovers, but it also leaves unanswered questions about concentrated monk fruit sweeteners. Given the growing consumer interest in low-calorie natural sweeteners, efforts may be made in the future to gain approval for concentrated Luo Han fruit extracts in the UK. However, at the moment only aqueous decoctions are allowed for use.
The FSA reclassification brings the UK closer to markets like the US, where monk fruit sweeteners have been approved for many years, and could increase the popularity of monk fruit in the UK food industry.
Important points
Aqueous decoctions of monk fruit are legal. The FSA has approved non-concentrated monk fruit extract as non-novel. This means it can be sold in the UK without restrictions.
Concentrated monk fruit extract is still new. These sweetener products are still subject to FSA approval as they are more processed and highly concentrated.
Market opportunity for natural sweeteners: This reclassification creates new opportunities for UK brands to offer monk fruit-sweetened products to health-conscious, sugar-averse consumers.
These regulatory changes will bring monk fruit to the fore in the UK, offering consumers another option for natural, low-calorie sweeteners.
