What is E960?
Steviol glycosides (E960) are high-intensity sweeteners derived from stevia leaves. Goodnessly rates them Caution as a prompt to moderate intensely sweetened products.
E960 is a family of purified steviol glycosides used to provide sweetness at very low amounts. Different named subgroups may have separate specifications.
Download our app to check additives in everyday foods
Read the FAQ →
What is Steviol glycosides?
E960 is a family of purified steviol glycosides used to provide sweetness at very low amounts. Different named subgroups may have separate specifications.
What's it used for?
- Providing intense sweetness
- Reducing added sugar in selected formulations
- Blending with other sweeteners for taste and texture
Where you'll find E960 on the shelf
It is most relevant to reduced-sugar drinks, tabletop sweeteners, confectionery and sweetener blends.
Is E960 safe? What the regulators say
Steviol glycosides are authorised with conditions in the three systems checked. The exact glycoside, purity specification and use category matter.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists steviol glycosides as additive 960 in Schedule 15 with category-specific permissions. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E960 is included in the EU Union list for specified uses and purity specifications. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified uses | FDA has a GRAS-notice framework for high-purity steviol glycosides; the relevant notice and intended use determine the basis. |
Caution is a moderation preference, not a claim that authorised steviol-glycoside use causes a health outcome.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, additive 960.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list, E960.
- FDA steviol glycosides GRAS notices and food-substance framework.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer less intensely sweetened products
- People comparing reduced-sugar drinks
- People who want to compare sweetener blends rather than a single ingredient
Goodnessly rates E960 Caution as a prompt to consider the overall sweetness and formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Steviol glycosides
- Stevia extract
- 960 or E960
- Sweetener (960)
Look for steviol glycosides, steviol glycoside names or the sweetener class with the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E960?
E960 is a family of steviol glycosides, high-intensity sweeteners derived from stevia leaves.
Is E960 permitted?
E960 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US, subject to the relevant specification and use basis.
Why is E960 rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a prompt to moderate intensely sweetened products and compare the full formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E960?
Goodnessly rates E960 (steviol glycosides) as Caution.
Don't decode labels by hand
Scan any product with the Goodnessly app to instantly see its full additive breakdown, kept current as new research like this comes to light.
Download our app to check additives in everyday foods