MonkSweet™ LS4 is a proprietary sweetener blend developed by Icon Foods combining monk fruit extract (rich in mogroside V) and rebaudioside M(Reb M) stevia extract. This formulation is designed to deliver a clean, sugar-like sweetness while effectively masking off-notes often associated with high-protein or functional food and beverage products.
Mogroside V is the primary sweetening compound in monk fruit, known for its high sweetness intensity—approximately 100 to 250 times sweeter than sucrose. The concentration of mogroside V in monk fruit extracts can vary, with common specifications including 25%, 40%, and 50%. Higher concentrations, such as 50%, offer greater sweetness potency and a cleaner taste profile, requiring smaller quantities to achieve the desired sweetness and minimizing potential aftertastes.
MonkSweet™LS4 leverages the complementary effects of mogroside V and Reb M to enhance sweetness perception and suppress undesirable flavors. Both compounds are high-intensity sweeteners that activate the T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptors, effectively overshadowing bitter or astringent notes from other ingredients. This synergy results in a more balanced and appealing flavor profile, making MonkSweet™ LS4 particularly suitable for applications where flavor masking is essential.
So, how does MonkSweet™ LS4 stevia monk fruit blend stack up? Here’s a technical comparative analysis of Monk Fruit Extracts V25, V40, V50 and MonkSweet™ LS4, a stevia and monk fruit blend, focusing on sweetness intensity, taste modulation, formulation performance, and sensory attributes.
Comparative Analysis: V25, V40, V50 Monk Fruit Extracts vs. MonkSweet™ LS4 Blend
| Attribute | Monk Fruit V25 | Monk Fruit V40 | Monk Fruit V50 | MonkSweet™ LS4 |
| Mogroside V Content | ~25% | ~40% | ≥50% | <10% mogroside V + steviol glycosides |
| Relative Sweetness | ~100× sucrose | ~150× sucrose | ~200–250× sucrose | ~300–350× sucrose |
| Sweetness Profile | Delayed onset, lingering | Quicker onset, smoother | Fast onset, cleaner taste | Sugar-like onset, round sweetness curve |
| Aftertaste | Mild herbal or fruity | Cleaner than V25 | Minimal aftertaste | Minimal bitterness, clean finish |
| Usage Rate | Higher | Moderate | Lower | Very low usage rate due to high potency |
| Flavor Compatibility | Needs masking in beverages | Better in mild flavors | Versatile in beverages | Versatile across categories (beverages, nutrition, confections) |
| Stability | Good heat/pH stability | Good heat/pH stability | Excellent stability | Excellent, well-buffered across pH |
| Labeling | Natural sweetener | Natural sweetener | Natural sweetener | Natural sweetener / Clean-label blend |
| Cost Efficiency | Most economical | Balanced cost/sweetness | Higher cost, lower usage | Premium priced, highest efficiency |
| Ideal Applications | Baked goods, sauces | Yogurts, ice cream | RTD beverages, gummies | Carbonated beverages, protein shakes, gummies, hard-to-sweeten systems |
The graph above illustrates the relative sweetness levels of V25, V40, and V50 monk fruit extracts with MonkSweet™ LS4. As highlighted, MonkSweet™ LS4 delivers the highest sweetness perception, thanks to its synergistic blend of mogroside V and Reb M.
The above graph illustrates the sweetness curves and onset for V25, V40, and V50 monk fruit extracts compared to MonkSweet™ LS4. As shown, MonkSweet™ LS4 exhibits a faster onset and higher peak sweetness, reflecting its enhanced sensory performance through the synergy of mogroside V and Reb M.
Key Takeaways
- Monk Fruit V25–V50 Extracts represent a spectrum of purity and performance, with increasing mogroside V content enhancing both sweetness intensity and taste quality.
- V25 is more economical but requires flavor modulators to mask its herbal aftertaste.
- V50 provides cleaner sweetness and better sugar mimicry, especially useful in premium RTDs and high-performance formulations.
- MonkSweet™ LS4 is a proprietary synergistic blend of steviol glycosides and monk fruit extract designed to optimize sweetness onset, mouthfeel, and flavor balance.
- It offers a more complete sugar-like curve and superior performance in applications where Reb A or mogroside V alone fall short.
- Its high potency and rounded profile make it particularly effective in carbonated soft drinks, nootropic beverages, and functional snacks where bitterness, astringency, or lingering off-notes would otherwise be challenges.
- Dairy can produce off-flavors due to factors such as Maillard reaction, protein denaturation, and lipid oxidation during processing. These off-notes often include barnyard, bovine, bitter, sour, or chalky flavors, which can negatively affect consumer acceptance. The masking of off-notes in high protein drinks using MonkSweet™ LS4 involves complex interactions with taste receptors. The intense sweetness can overpower and mask undesirable flavors, create a balanced flavor profile, and enhance overall sensory perception, leading to a more enjoyable drinking experience.
While V25, V40, and V50 offer progressive improvements in purity, sweetness, and clean taste, MonkSweet™ LS4 provides the most advanced sensory experience, leveraging synergistic interactions between monk fruit and stevia for maximum sweetness efficiency and taste fidelity. It’s ideal for formulators aiming for clean-label sugar reduction without compromise on flavor.
MonkSweet™ LS4 by Icon Foods is an ideal choice for formulating better-for-you foods and beverages, catering to the growing demand for healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.
Since 1999 Icon Foods has been your reliable supply chain partner for sweeteners, fibers, sweetening systems, inclusions and sweetness modulators.
Reach out to your Icon Foods representative for MonkSweet™ LS4 samples, documentation and formulations guidance.
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