Is Stevia Safe? E960 Explained
Stevia is E960 (Steviol Glycosides) — stevia — a plant-derived sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana; up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
What is Stevia?
E960 is Steviol Glycosides (Stevia), a food additive classified as a sweetener that provide sweetness with fewer or no calories. Stevia — a plant-derived sweetener extracted from the leaves of stevia rebaudiana; up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. You'll find it in diet drinks, sugar-free chewing gum, low-calorie desserts and many other packaged foods. Steviol Glycosides is one of the better-known food additives and appears regularly in label-reading guides and dietary discussions. Like every E-number, E960 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Is Stevia bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E960 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Steviol Glycosides to harm at normal dietary intakes.
EFSA opinion: Steviol Glycosides — status Safe.
Foods containing Stevia
- diet drinks
- sugar-free chewing gum
- low-calorie desserts
- sports drinks
- table-top sweeteners
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Related to Stevia
Products relevant to Stevia and your dietary choices
Natural Sweeteners
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Stevia FAQs
Is Stevia bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E960 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Steviol Glycosides to harm at normal dietary intakes.
Is Stevia vegan?
E960 (Steviol Glycosides) is vegan. It is derived from plant (stevia leaf), with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is Stevia halal?
E960 (Steviol Glycosides) is halal. It is derived from plant (stevia leaf), which involves no haram sources.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA