E960 – Steviol glycosides
SweetenerDescription
High-purity diterpene glycosides (primarily Stevioside and Rebaudioside A) extracted from the leaves of *Stevia rebaudiana*. Functions as a non-caloric, high-intensity sweetener (200-400x sweeter than sucrose) and flavor modulator, standardized under JECFA specifications requiring ≥95% total steviol glycosides.
Notes
Steviol glycosides are sweet compounds extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana), a leafy herb native to South America where indigenous peoples have used it as a natural sweetener for centuries. The extraction process involves steeping the dried leaves in water, much like making tea, then purifying and concentrating the sweet compounds—primarily stevioside and rebaudioside A—that make stevia leaves taste sweet. These compounds function as high-intensity sweeteners, delivering sweetness that's 200 to 400 times more intense than regular sugar while contributing virtually no calories. You'll find steviol glycosides in a wide range of products today, including diet sodas, sugar-free yogurts, baked goods, candies, and tabletop sweeteners, often marketed under brand names that highlight their plant origin. As a plant-based extract, steviol glycosides are suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and most religious diets. They're considered natural sweeteners by many consumers and regulatory bodies, though the final product does undergo processing for purification. Food safety authorities worldwide, including the FDA and European Food Safety Authority, have approved their use and established acceptable daily intake levels based on extensive safety studies.