This year, the United States is celebrating 250 years of independence. For Lakanto, that milestone feels personal.
From the Mountains of China to American Kitchens
Our story began far from American grocery shelves, with monk fruit: a small green gourd cultivated for centuries in the mountains of China and prized for its natural sweetness. Our founder, Shota Saraya, saw in monk fruit what much of the world had not yet discovered — a way to enjoy real sweetness without relying on sugar.
The earliest version of our flagship sweetener was perfected in Japan, where monk fruit was paired with erythritol to create a clean, sugar-free taste. But from the beginning, we believed this idea belonged on American tables too.
So we brought Lakanto to the United States for home bakers, families managing their health, and anyone who wanted to cut back on sugar without giving up the foods they love. What started as a niche idea helped introduce a new kind of sweetness to American kitchens.
Made in America
But we did not just want to sell in America. We wanted to make in America.
Lakanto released Classic and Golden Monkfruit Sweeteners in 2005. After years of growing our brand, we took a major step forward by opening our own manufacturing facility in the United States in 2021. It was something we had dreamed about from the beginning: a way to bring more of our production closer to the people we serve, while giving us greater control over quality, freshness, and the standards we hold ourselves to.
Today, the vast majority of Lakanto products are manufactured right here in the USA, many of them in our own facility. From our monk fruit blends to our syrups, snacks, and baking essentials, our products are brought to life by American teams and American facilities.
One meaningful exception remains: our erythritol-based sweeteners are still made in Japan, honoring the original craftsmanship and formulation that helped start our story. We think that balance says something true about who we are. Lakanto is rooted in a global heritage, but proudly planted in American soil.
A Commitment, Not Just a Decision
Manufacturing here is not just a logistics decision. It is a commitment to accountability. It gives us a clearer, more transparent path from our facility to your kitchen. It means we can stand behind our products because we know how they were made, where they were made, and the care that went into them.
Our solar-powered facility now handles hundreds of tons of product each year, helping supply Lakanto products to retailers and families across the country.
As America marks 250 years, we are reminded that some of the best parts of this country have always been built by people who came from somewhere else, brought their best ideas, and made something new.
That is part of our story too.
Thank you for letting Lakanto be part of your kitchens, your celebrations, and your everyday moments.