E960 — Steviol glycosides
E960 (Steviol glycosides), a sweetener, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. The sweet compounds extracted from the stevia plant. Zero-calorie and plant-based. EFSA-approved with a comfortable safety margin.
What is Steviol glycosides?
The sweet compounds extracted from leaves of the stevia plant native to Paraguay. About 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Used in zero-calorie drinks, sugar-free yogurts, tabletop sweeteners, and protein bars.
What does it do to the body?
Your gut bacteria convert it to steviol, which is absorbed and excreted in urine within a day. No calories, no impact on blood sugar in most people. The slight licorice aftertaste is the main complaint. Considered safe in normal-pregnancy use, unlike some other sweeteners.
What regulators say
EFSA reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake at 4 mg per kg of body weight per day (as steviol) in 2024. The FDA approves the purified glycosides as GRAS.
Risk rating: Watch
Mixed evidence or a specific concern (gut, allergy, or contested safety data). Not alarming, but worth keeping an eye on rather than eating without limit.
Source: EFSA — re-evaluation of steviol glycosides (2024) ↗