sweetener INS 960

Steviol glycosides (Stevia) E960

natural — Primarily natural.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana

CAS: 57817-89-7

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Steviol glycosides (Stevia) occurs naturally in Stevia rebaudiana (stevia plant leaves). Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Steviol glycosides (Stevia) is also used in medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~6 (expressed as steviol) packets of stevia sweetener in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category (100-800 mg/kg) mg/kg

Minimum purity 95% steviol glycosides required

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (for high-purity extracts)

Whole-leaf stevia and crude extracts not approved; only high-purity steviol glycosides

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Used in Japan since 1970s; major market for stevia products

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~6 (expressed as steviol) of packets of stevia sweetener

~40mg per serving

~7 (expressed as steviol) of cans of stevia-sweetened soda (355ml)

~35mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

Natural zero-calorie sweetener extracted from stevia plant leaves. About 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Different steviol glycosides (like Reb A, Reb M) have varying taste profiles.

Stevia rebaudiana (stevia plant leaves)

Manufacturing

Method: extraction from stevia leaves

Extracted from dried stevia leaves through water extraction, followed by purification using ion exchange resins and crystallization. High-purity extracts contain >95% steviol glycosides.

Applications Beyond Food

Medical

Sweetener in liquid medicines and supplements

Industrial

Natural food preservative (antimicrobial properties)

Household

Tabletop sweetener and cooking sweetener

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steviol glycosides (Stevia) (E960)?

Steviol glycosides (Stevia) (E960) is a sweetener used in food products. It is natural and natural. Natural zero-calorie sweetener extracted from stevia plant leaves. About 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Different steviol glycosides (like Reb A, Reb M) have varying taste profiles.

Where is Steviol glycosides (Stevia) found naturally?

Steviol glycosides (Stevia) is naturally found in Stevia rebaudiana (stevia plant leaves). Natural zero-calorie sweetener extracted from stevia plant leaves. About 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Different steviol glycosides (like Reb A, Reb M) have varying taste profiles.

What is the ADI for Steviol glycosides (Stevia)?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Steviol glycosides (Stevia) is 0–4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Steviol glycosides (Stevia)?

Steviol glycosides (Stevia) is used in various food categories including Other non-alcoholic beverages, Confectionery. It is used as a sweetener in these products.

Is Steviol glycosides (Stevia) the same as Stevia?

Yes, Steviol glycosides (Stevia) is also known as Stevia, Rebaudioside A, Stevioside, Reb A, Truvia, PureVia. These are different names for the same substance.