Sweeteners in wellness products: What you need to know

In a market flooded with “sugar-free” wellness products, ingredients like monk fruit, stevia, erythritol, and maltodextrin have become widely used as sugar alternatives. They’re often seen as healthier swaps — especially in electrolyte drinks and supplements.

But the reality is more nuanced.

Let’s break it down.

The appeal of sweeteners

Many wellness products include sweeteners to improve taste without adding calories or carbs. On the surface, this seems like a win — especially for those trying to manage weight, blood sugar, or avoid added sugar.

Common ones include:

• Monk Fruit Extract – a natural sweetener from a small melon, up to 200x sweeter than sugar

• Stevia – a plant-derived sweetener with a distinct aftertaste

• Erythritol / Xylitol – sugar alcohols that add sweetness with fewer calories

• Maltodextrin – a flavourless powder often added to improve texture and shelf life (not technically sweet, but still affects blood sugar)

But here's the flip side

While these ingredients are generally recognised as safe, research suggests they may not be as neutral as they appear — especially with regular or high-volume consumption.

Sweeteners still affect your brain

Even non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit activate the brain’s sweet receptors, potentially maintaining sugar cravings or affecting appetite regulation.

Source: Yale J Biol Med. 2010;83(2):101–108
“Artificial sweeteners may disrupt learned responses that normally contribute to glucose and energy homeostasis.”

Gut issues with sugar alcohols

Sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can ferment in the colon, leading to bloating, gas, and discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2016)
“Erythritol is associated with digestive tolerance issues in certain populations.”

Maltodextrin & blood sugar

Despite being in “sugar-free” products, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes, especially when consumed frequently.

📖 Source: American Diabetes Association
“Maltodextrin has a glycemic index between 85–105, often higher than table sugar.”

So what’s the alternative?

The best alternative might be: no sweeteners at all.

That’s why we created Phi — a hydration supplement that delivers real electrolytes and trace minerals without sugar, sweeteners, or artificial taste enhancers.

It’s not sweet. It’s not flavored.
It’s functional. Clean. And designed to truly nourish, not trick your body.

When you stop chasing sweetness, your taste buds reset. Your body responds better. You hydrate more effectively — without overstimulating your palate.

Why sweetener-free works

• No brain confusion — no artificial reward loop triggered

• Better hydration — pure electrolytes, nothing that competes with absorption

• Gut-friendly — no sugar alcohols or bloating

• Versatile — adds to any drink without altering the taste

• Minimal, intentional ingredients — the way wellness should be

Final thoughts

Sweeteners aren’t inherently “bad.” They serve a purpose — especially when transitioning from high-sugar habits. But for those seeking long-term clarity, gut health, and real hydration, a product that doesn’t rely on sweetness at all might be the smarter evolution.

Real hydration doesn’t need to taste like candy. It just needs to work.That’s why Phi is made clean — no sugar, no sweeteners, no fluff.
Just function. Just Phi.