E960 Steviol Glycosides – Sweetener from Stevia
E960 is an approved food additive based on steviol glycosides, extracted from the stevia plant. It is used as a low-calorie sweetener in foods and beverages.
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E960 is an approved food additive based on steviol glycosides, extracted from the stevia plant. It is used as a low-calorie sweetener in foods and beverages.
What is E960?
E960 is the European designation for steviol glycosides, a group of natural sweetening compounds extracted from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana. These compounds are 200 to 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar (sucrose) but provide virtually no calories. In the European Union, E960 has been approved as a food additive since 2011.
Origin and Production
The stevia plant originates from South America, particularly Paraguay and Brazil, where indigenous peoples have used it as a natural sweetener for centuries. For the industrial production of E960, plant leaves are dried and extracted with water. The steviol glycosides are then purified and concentrated. The most important individual compounds are stevioside and rebaudioside A, with rebaudioside A generally considered more pleasant in taste due to fewer bitter notes.
Uses and Applications
E960 is used as a sweetener in a wide variety of foods and beverages, including:
- Soft drinks and refreshing beverages
- Dairy products and desserts
- Confectionery and chewing gum
- Yogurt and fruit preparations
- Dietary supplements and table sugar replacements
Since E960 is heat-stable, it can also be used for baking and cooking, although it does not replace the volume of sugar. E960 is frequently combined with other sweeteners or bulking agents to achieve a more balanced flavor profile.
Mechanism of Action and Metabolism
Steviol glycosides are barely absorbed in the small intestine after ingestion. In the large intestine, gut bacteria convert them into steviol, which is then further metabolized in the liver and excreted via urine. Because steviol glycosides have little to no effect on blood glucose levels, they are of particular interest to people with diabetes mellitus or those at elevated risk of metabolic disorders.
Safety and Acceptable Daily Intake
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classified E960 as safe and established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg per kilogram of body weight (expressed as steviol equivalent). Under normal dietary conditions, this value is generally not exceeded.
Potential Side Effects
When used as intended, E960 is considered well tolerated. In very high amounts, the following effects have occasionally been reported:
- Bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Mild reduction in blood pressure in sensitive individuals
- Rare allergic reactions, particularly in people with an allergy to plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae)
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before consuming stevia extracts, as data for these groups remains limited.
Labeling Requirements
According to EU law, foods containing E960 must be labeled accordingly. On the ingredient list, the substance appears either as E960 or under the name steviol glycosides. Unlike some other sweeteners, E960 does not contain phenylalanine, so no phenylalanine warning is required on the packaging.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the safety of steviol glycosides for the proposed uses as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2010.
- European Commission: Regulation (EU) No 1131/2011 authorising steviol glycosides as a food additive.
- Goyal S.K., Samsher, Goyal R.K.: Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) a bio-sweetener: a review. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 2010.
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Related search terms: E960 + Steviol Glycoside + Steviol Glycosides