Monk fruit is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from a fruit native to southern China. It contains mogrosides, intensely sweet compounds that provide sugar-like sweetness without calories or blood sugar effects. Recognized as safe and natural by the FDA, monk fruit is not an artificial sweetener but a plant-based alternative widely used in foods, beverages, and healthcare products. Its extraction process emphasizes natural, minimal processing that preserves purity and flavor, making monk fruit a superior choice for healthy sweetening solutions.