E960c: Enzymatically Produced Steviol Glycosides
Main role: sweetening
Also listed as: enzyme-converted steviol glycosides, enzymatically produced stevia sweetener
What is E960c (Enzymatically Produced Steviol Glycosides)?
E960c identifies steviol glycoside preparations made through specified enzyme-assisted production. The process can change the glycoside composition and sweetness profile while retaining the shared steviol-based structure.
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 blends
- Reduced-sugar beverages
- 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 E960c, E 960c, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include enzyme-converted steviol glycosides, enzymatically produced stevia sweetener. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Enzyme-assisted production and direct leaf extraction are different routes. If manufacturing origin matters, use the E-number suffix and supplier information rather than a broad stevia marketing phrase.
Is E960c 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 E960c as Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. 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.