E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
E950 (Acesulfame K / Ace-K) is a calorie-free, heat-stable synthetic potassium salt sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose. INS 950, ADI is 9 mg/kg bw/day, famous for blending with sucralose and aspartame to produce sugar-identical taste curves.
E960 (Steviol Glycosides / Rebaudioside A) is a natural zero-calorie sweetener water-extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). INS 960a, ADI is 4 mg/kg bw/day (as steviol equivalents), providing 250–350x sucrose sweetness.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E950 | E960 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 950 | INS 960a / 960c |
|
Functional Class
|
Non-Nutritive High-Intensity Sweetener | Natural High-Intensity Sweetener |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
9 mg / kg body weight per day | 4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
200x Sucrose | 250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) |
|
Caloric Value
|
0.0 kcal / g (Excreted unchanged by kidneys) kcal/g | 0.0 kcal / g kcal/g |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Diet sodas (Coke Zero), sugar-free energy drinks, baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum | Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan, Halal, Kosher, Diabetic Safe, Dental Safe (Non-cariogenic) | 100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.800) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
High-affinity agonist for T1R2 + T1R3 sweet taste receptor dimer | — |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
— | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) |