E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract)

Direct Answer

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.

Source: EFSA ANS Panel (2010) / US FDA GRAS · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E960
INS / Codex Number	INS 960a / 960c
Functional Class	Natural High-Intensity Sweetener
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	4 mg / kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents)
Relative Sweetness Index	250 – 350x Sucrose (Reb-A >98%)
Caloric Value	0.0 kcal / g kcal/g
Glycemic Index (GI)	0 (Zero effect on blood glucose or insulin)
Common Target Foods	Natural zero-calorie sodas (Zevia), flavored yogurts, protein shakes, tabletop drops
Dietary Compliance	100% Vegan (Stevia leaf water extraction), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS Notices (GRN 252)

Rebaudioside M & D Next-Gen Clean Taste

While early stevioside had a distinct licorice/bitter metallic aftertaste, modern enzymatic or ultra-pure Rebaudioside M (Reb-M) and Reb-D extracts bind the sweet receptor with zero bitterness, matching cane sugar's flavor profile.