E960a: Steviol glycosides from Stevia

What is E960a?

E960a is steviol glycosides from Stevia, the intensely sweet compounds extracted from the stevia plant. Main components such as stevioside and rebaudioside A are about 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar and provide virtually no calories.

Origin and production

These glycosides are extracted with water from the dried leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a plant native to South America, and then purified. The 'a' in the code distinguishes leaf-extracted steviol glycosides from those produced by fermentation or enzymatic conversion, which have their own sub-codes.

Why is it used?

Steviol glycosides are used to sweeten foods and drinks while reducing sugar, often together with other sweeteners or flavours that soften their slightly liquorice-like aftertaste. They appear in soft drinks, iced teas, protein powders and bars, and sweets.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

E960a is plant-derived and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It raises no particular halal or kosher concerns.

Safety and regulation

Steviol glycosides are authorised as sweeteners in the European Union and have been assessed by EFSA, which established an acceptable daily intake. They are also permitted in the United States and many other countries.

Common in