E960 Stevia (Steviol Glycosides)

E960SweetenersOrigin: Plant

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Zero calories, no blood sugar rise. Watch for blends bulked with dextrose.

Low-FODMAPYes

Pure stevia is low-FODMAP; blends with inulin may not be.

The short answer

Stevia (E960) is a zero-calorie sweetener from a plant leaf, 200–300 times sweeter than sugar. It's vegan, keto-friendly and doesn't raise blood sugar.

90/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE960

Comes fromPlant

What it doesSweeteners

Glycemic index0

Daily limit4 mg/kg

Also calledStevia, Steviol glycosides

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

High-purity extracts are GRAS in the US. Whole stevia leaf is not approved as a food additive. EFSA's limit is 4 mg per kg of body weight (as steviol).

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

280 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 4 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 80 mg a day.

What is it?

Steviol glycosides are the sweet molecules from the stevia leaf. Packets often add erythritol or dextrose so they can be measured like sugar.

Where it comes from: Sweet compounds extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant with water, then purified.

Why it’s in food

Sweetens without calories
Replaces sugar in diet drinks and yogurt

Often found in

Diet sodasFlavored waterYogurtProtein barsTabletop sweeteners

Also listed as: Stevia, Steviol glycosides, Rebaudioside A, Reb A, Stevia leaf extract, Truvia

Health & gut impact

Blood sugarBenefit

Does not raise blood sugar or insulin.

Anton et al., Appetite (2010)

AftertasteConcern

Some people notice a bitter, licorice-like aftertaste.

Consumer studies

What can I use instead?

Monk fruit

Ratio: Follow package

Best for: Baking and coffee

Allulose

Ratio: 1.3:1 vs sugar

Best for: Baking that needs browning

Stevia vs Monk Fruit Extract vs Erythritol

More sweeteners:

AlluloseAllulose is a "rare sugar" that tastes like sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar. It's keto-friendly and browns like real sugar in baking.Generally safe Aspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderation Erythritol E968Erythritol (E968) is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol popular in keto foods. A 2023 study linked high blood levels to heart risk, and large amounts can upset your stomach.Use in moderation High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)High-fructose corn syrup is a liquid sugar made from corn. It's vegan and gluten-free, but it's sugar: not keto, not low-FODMAP, and best limited.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Stevia safe?

Generally safe (90/100). High-purity extracts are GRAS in the US. Whole stevia leaf is not approved as a food additive. EFSA's limit is 4 mg per kg of body weight (as steviol).

Is Stevia vegan?

Yes.

Is Stevia gluten-free?