E960b: Steviol Glycosides from Fermentation
Main role: sweetening
Also listed as: fermentation-derived steviol glycosides, fermented stevia sweetener
What is E960b (Steviol Glycosides from Fermentation)?
E960b covers specified steviol glycosides produced through fermentation. The code distinguishes the production route from direct leaf extraction even though the finished sweet compounds belong to the steviol glycoside family.
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
- Sweetener preparations
- Reduced-sugar drinks
- Dessert formulations
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 E960b, E 960b, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include fermentation-derived steviol glycosides, fermented stevia sweetener. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Fermentation describes manufacturing rather than a live-culture benefit in the final food. A product containing E960b should not be assumed to be probiotic.
Is E960b 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 E960b as Steviol glycosides from fermentation. 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.