Why Sugar Causes Tantrums & How Monk Fruit Can Help

There are a shit tonne of sweetners, both natural and artifical out there on the market. Some have weird taste, some effect the gut, and some are just downright toxic. So which one do I go for?

As parents, we’ve all seen it happen—a fun-filled kids’ party, plenty of sugary treats, and then the crash. One minute, they’re running around laughing, and the next, they’re melting down in tears. But what’s really happening inside their bodies to cause this rollercoaster of energy and emotions?

It all comes down to blood sugar spikes, insulin, and crashes—and the good news is, there’s a way to keep things sweet without the tantrums.

How Sugar Affects Kids’ Energy & Mood

When kids eat sugar—whether from cake, lollies, or fruit juice—it enters the bloodstream quickly, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. In response, the body releases insulin (as well as causing a dopamine release), a hormone that Dr. Benjamin Bikman describes as the “fuel partitioning hormone.”

What Does Insulin Do?

Insulin’s job is to move sugar (glucose) out of the blood and into the body’s cells, where it can be used for energy. However, when kids eat a lot of sugar at once, the body releases a big surge of insulin, which removes sugar from the blood too quickly. This leads to:

• A sudden drop in blood sugar (also known as a sugar crash)

• Irritability and mood swings

• Fatigue and lack of focus

• Tantrums and emotional outbursts

Basically, the sugar rush feels great for a little while—but the crash that follows can leave kids feeling tired, cranky, and out of control.

Instead of refined sugar, a natural alternative like monk fruit sweetener can give kids the sweetness they love without the sugar spikes and crashes.

What is Monk Fruit?

Monk fruit, also called Luo Han Guo, is a small melon grown in Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and gets its sweetness from natural compounds called mogrosides—which taste sweet but don’t impact blood sugar.

Why Choose Monk Fruit Over Sugar?

• No Blood Sugar Spikes or Crashes – Keeps energy and mood stable.

• Zero Calories & Carbs – Great for balanced eating.

• 100-250x Sweeter Than Sugar – A little goes a long way.

• Safe for Kids & Diabetics – Doesn’t trigger insulin release.

• No Artificial Additives – 100% natural sweetness.

What About Erythritol? Is It Safe?

Many monk fruit sweeteners include erythritol, a natural sugar alcohol that helps balance the intense sweetness of monk fruit and makes it easier to use in baking.

Pros of Erythritol:

• Doesn’t Raise Blood Sugar – Safe for kids and diabetics.

• Tastes Like Sugar – No weird aftertaste.

• Helps Prevent Cavities – Unlike sugar, it doesn’t feed bacteria in the mouth.

Cons of Erythritol:

• Can Cause Digestive Issues in Large Amounts – Some people experience bloating if they eat too much.

• Still Being Researched for Long-Term Effects – Some studies suggest a possible link to heart health, though more research is needed.

For most kids, small amounts of erythritol are well tolerated, but if you’re concerned, look for 100% pure monk fruit or try a different natural sweetener like stevia.

The Takeaway: Keep the Fun, Skip the Tantrums

Parties, playdates, and special occasions should be fun and memorable—not followed by mood swings and sugar crashes. By swapping refined sugar for monk fruit sweetener, you can give kids delicious, sweet treats that keep their energy steady and their moods happy.

At Naturally Sweet Catering, we create healthy, sugar-free party foods that kids love and parents trust. If you’re looking for better alternatives for your next event, check out our menu of naturally sweetened, kid-approved treats!

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