E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol)
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.
E968 (Erythritol) is a four-carbon polyol produced by microbial fermentation of glucose by Moniliella pollinis. INS 968, ADI is Not Specified, delivering 70% the sweetness of sucrose with 0.0–0.2 kcal/g, zero GI, and 90% urinary excretion avoiding digestive distress.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E960 | E968 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 960a / 960c | INS 968 |
|
Functional Class
|
Natural High-Intensity Sweetener | Non-Nutritive Bulk Sweetener, Flavor Enhancer, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) | Not Specified (Highest digestive tolerance among all polyols: 0.66–0.80 g/kg bw) |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%) | 70% Sucrose |
|
Caloric Value
|
0.0 kcal / g kcal/g | 0.2 kcal / g (Legal EU/US: 0.0 kcal / g) kcal/g |
|
Glycemic Index (GI)
|
0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin) | 0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin levels) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops | Keto baked goods, monk fruit/stevia blends (Swerve), zero-sugar confectionery |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO | 100% Vegan (Yeast fermentation of corn glucose), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252) | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (GRN 76) |