Low-Calorie Japanese Sweeteners Compared: Palsweet, Lakanto, and Naka Nippon

Staying healthy in Ho Chi Minh City often means rethinking everyday habits, including how much sugar goes into your coffee or cooking. Japanese low-calorie sweeteners have become a go-to solution for many expats, with Palsweet (Ajinomoto), Lakanto (Saraya), and Naka Nippon being the most recognizable names.

The challenge in HCMC is knowing which one to buy and where. This article breaks down the key differences so you can choose with confidence.

Palsweet (Ajinomoto): what to know

Palsweet has been on Japanese supermarket shelves for decades. It uses sucralose-based sweeteners (see packaging for full ingredient details) and comes in a wide range of formats.

• Clean, sugar-like sweetness
• Available in granule, liquid, and stick formats
• High brand recognition among Japanese consumers
• Versatile: works in drinks, cooking, and baking
• Heat tolerance varies by product type, check the packaging

Lakanto (Saraya): what to know

Lakanto positions itself as a zero-calorie option, using erythritol and monk fruit extract (see packaging for full ingredient details).

• Zero-calorie positioning
• Natural sweetness from monk fruit
• White granule form, many variants designed as 1:1 sugar substitute
• Popular for baking and cooking
• May not dissolve well in cold liquids, worth testing first

Naka Nippon: what to know

Naka Nippon is a Japanese brand you can order directly in HCMC through the Farmi app. It stands out for its single-serve 1g stick format, sold in a box of 50 sachets.

• Individual 1g sticks, 50-pack box, easy to carry
• Ideal for office use, eating out, or on the go
• No measuring needed, hygienic single-use format
• Available on Farmi app (Product ID: 10493, 89,000 VND)
• Ingredient details: see product packaging

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison	Palsweet	Lakanto	Naka Nippon
Main sweetener	Sucralose-based (see packaging)	Erythritol + monk fruit (see packaging)	See packaging
Format	Granule, liquid, sticks	Granule mainly	Individual 1g sticks
Hot cooking	Depends on product	Some variants suitable	See packaging
Baking	Depends on product	Widely used	Small amounts
Cold drinks	Depends on product	May not dissolve well	Convenient single-serve
Portability	Stick format available	Bag or bottle	Very portable
Available in HCMC	Japanese supermarkets, import shops	Japanese supermarkets, import shops	Farmi app

How to choose: a quick guide

• For daily drinks (coffee, tea): Naka Nippon's single-serve sticks are the most convenient option for home, office, or restaurants
• For baking and home cooking: Palsweet or Lakanto in granule form work better for recipes. Check the packaging for heat compatibility before using
• If you prefer natural-origin ingredients: Lakanto with monk fruit extract is worth trying, though taste preference varies between individuals

There is no single best option. Start with small quantities to find what works for your taste and lifestyle.

Summary

Palsweet, Lakanto, and Naka Nippon each have distinct strengths. The right choice depends on how and where you plan to use them, not on which brand is objectively best.

Open the Farmi app to check Naka Nippon availability. Order now, delivered within 1 hour in HCMC.

Note: This article and some images were created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.