Back to catalogSafety
E960SweetenerLow concern
Steviol Glycosides
In plain words
The short version
Natural intense sweeteners extracted from the stevia plant, 200–400 times sweeter than sugar.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI of 4 mg/kg body weight expressed as steviol equivalents. Considered safe at normal levels. Mild blood-pressure-lowering effects have been observed at high doses.
The detail
Extracted from leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a South American shrub used as a sweetener by indigenous Guaraní people for centuries. Approved as a food additive in the EU in 2011 after extensive evaluation.
Used in low-calorie drinks, dairy products, sauces, and tabletop sweeteners. Often combined with sugar or other sweeteners to balance the slight licorice aftertaste.
White crystalline powder, very soluble in water. Heat-stable, pH-stable, and shelf-stable.
Permitted in most jurisdictions globally. EU specifies allowed glycoside compositions and maximum levels.
Sources
- EFSA — Scientific opinion on the extension of the authorisation of use of the food additive steviol glycosides (E 960a–d) and the modification of the ADI for steviol (2024) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), FAF Panel, 2024. ADI of 4 mg/kg bw expressed as steviol equivalents (confirmed in 2024)
- WHO JECFA database — Steviol glycosides (INS 960), latest evaluation 2026 (102nd meeting) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO, 2026. Safety: ADI 0–4 mg/kg bw expressed as steviol, reconfirmed
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with regard to steviol glycosides — European Union, Official Journal L 295, 12.11.2011, 2011. Approved as a food additive in the EU in 2011; EU sets maximum levels (as steviol equivalents)
- FDA — Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food (steviol glycosides section) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025. US status: high-purity steviol glycosides used under GRAS notices FDA did not question
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.