E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
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.
E965 (Maltitol) is a disaccharide polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of maltose derived from cornstarch. INS 965(i), ADI is Not Specified (Excessive consumption may have laxative effect), delivering 90% the sweetness of sugar with 2.1 kcal/g.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E960 | E965 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 960a / 960c | INS 965(i) (Powder) / 965(ii) (Syrup) |
|
Functional Class
|
Natural High-Intensity Sweetener | Bulk Sweetener, Humectant, Texturizer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Laxative warning required) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) | 90% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
0.0 kcal / g kcal/g | 2.1 kcal / g (47% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) | 35 (Maltitol powder) / 52 (Maltitol syrup) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops | Sugar-free chocolates, sugar-free gummy bears, baked bars, chewing gum |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO | Vegan (Cornstarch origin), Halal, Kosher, Non-cariogenic |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1444) |