E960a: Steviol Glycosides from Stevia
Main role: sweetening
Also listed as: stevia leaf extract, stevioside, rebaudioside A, Reb A
What is E960a (Steviol Glycosides from Stevia)?
E960a identifies specified steviol glycoside preparations obtained from stevia leaves. These preparations contain sweet compounds such as stevioside or rebaudiosides, rather than being equivalent to powdered whole leaves.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is sweetening. Sweeteners differ in intensity, bulk, and processing behavior. Intense sweeteners often need other ingredients to replace sugar’s volume. A sweetener declaration therefore does not tell you the complete carbohydrate or calorie content.
Food and formulation examples
- Reduced-sugar beverages
- Tabletop sweeteners
- Desserts
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E960a, E 960a, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include stevia leaf extract, stevioside, rebaudioside A, Reb A. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A leaf-extracted origin does not tell you the amount of erythritol, dextrose, or other bulking ingredients in a tabletop blend. Compare the full ingredient list as well as the glycoside name.
Is E960a safe?
EFSA retained an intake limit of 4 mg/kg body weight/day as steviol equivalents in 2024. EFSA steviol glycosides assessment (2024).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E960a as Steviol glycosides from Stevia. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.