🧪eNumbers.orgSearch Additives

Steviol Glycosides (Stevia) (E960) — What You Need to Know

Generally Safe(8/10)Natural
8
GENERALLY SAFE
Safety Score: 8/10

What Is Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)?

Steviol glycosides are the sweet compounds extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. They are 200-400 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has been used by the Guaraní people of Paraguay for centuries as a sweetener. Despite its natural origin, the commercial extraction and refinement process is quite extensive. Stevia extracts were approved as a food additive by the FDA in 2008 and by the EU in 2011.

What Is It Used For?

Used in diet beverages, tabletop sweeteners, yogurt, and an increasing range of food products as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. Suitable for diabetics as it does not raise blood glucose levels.

Function: Natural intense sweetener

Safety Assessment

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
4 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized
⚠️ Key Concerns

Steviol glycosides are generally well-tolerated. Some people report a slightly bitter, licorice-like aftertaste. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, potentially related to stevia's relationship with the ragweed family of plants (asteraceae). People with ragweed or chrysanthemum allergies should exercise caution. Some animal studies at very high doses have shown potential hormonal effects (steviol is structurally similar to plant hormones), but these effects have not been observed in humans at normal consumption levels. The FDA notes that whole leaf stevia and crude stevia extracts are not approved for food use — only high-purity steviol glycoside extracts.

Our Assessment

Based on current evidence, Steviol Glycosides (Stevia) is rated Generally Safe with a score of 8/10. This is 2.2 points above the average for sweeteners (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2023.

Commonly Found In

Diet drinksTabletop sweetenersYogurtProtein barsCereals
Example brands:
TruviaPureViaStevia in the Raw

Always check the label for E960 or 'Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)'

▶Chemical Information
CAS Number: 57817-89-7
INS Number: 960
Also known as: E960, INS 960, Steviol glycosides, Rebaudioside A, Reb-A, Truvia

Frequently Asked Questions about Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)

Steviol Glycosides (Stevia) has a Safety Score of 8/10 (Generally Safe). Steviol glycosides are generally well-tolerated. Some people report a slightly bitter, licorice-like aftertaste. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, potentially related to stevia's relationship with the ragweed family of plants (asteraceae). People with ragweed or chrysanthemum allergies should exercise caution. Some animal studies at very high doses have shown potential hormonal effects (steviol is structurally similar to plant hormones), but these effects have not been observed in humans at normal consumption levels. The FDA notes that whole leaf stevia and crude stevia extracts are not approved for food use — only high-purity steviol glycoside extracts.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E960
INS Number
960
Category
Sweeteners
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS
EFSA Status
Authorized
ADI
4 mg/kg bw/day
Last Review
2023
Dietary Compatibility
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other sweeteners in the same family

AspartameSucraloseAcesulfame K