What is E960?
E960 is Steviol Glycosides (Stevia) — a natural sweetener extracted from stevia leaves — safe, vegan, halal and calorie-free.
What is E960 (Steviol Glycosides)?
E960 is the E-number for steviol glycosides, one of the artificial & intense sweeteners group of food additives (E900–E999). Additives in this group sweeten foods with fewer or zero calories than sugar. Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. Steviol glycosides come from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a South American plant used as a sweetener by the Guaraní people for centuries before EU approval in 2011. Like every E-number, E960 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E960 in detail below.
Where is E960 found?
E960 is typically used in diet soft drinks, sugar-free gum, desserts, yoghurts and low-calorie foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E960) or by its full name, steviol glycosides. Common foods that may contain E960 include:
- Soft drinks
- Tabletop sweeteners
- Yoghurts
- Sugar-reduced products
- Protein products
Full guide: foods containing E960 and how to spot it on labels →
E960 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Stevia safe?
Is E960 safe?
E960 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E960.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E960 vegan?
E960 is vegan. Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E960 →Is E960 halal?
E960 is halal. Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E960 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E960 in food?
E960 is Steviol Glycosides (Stevia) — a natural sweetener extracted from stevia leaves — safe, vegan, halal and calorie-free.
Is E960 safe to eat?
Yes. E960 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E960 vegan?
E960 is vegan. Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E960 halal?
E960 is halal. Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).