Tag: E960

As of December 2011, highly purified steviol glycosides derived from the *Stevia rebaudiana* plant were officially approved for use as a food additive in the European Union. So, does Europe use stevia? The answer is a clear yes, marking a significant milestone after decades of debate and safety evaluations.

In 2011, the European Union first authorized the use of steviol glycosides, derived from the stevia plant, as an official food additive after a comprehensive safety review. This decision ended years of regulatory uncertainty regarding whether stevia is allowed in Europe, making a purified form of the natural, zero-calorie sweetener legally available across the bloc.

In November 2011, the European Union officially approved the use of stevia extracts as a food additive, a decision that followed decades of research and debate. Is stevia sweetener allowed in Europe? The short answer is yes, but the full story involves specific regulations that define which parts of the plant can be used and in what food categories.

The use of low-calorie and no-calorie sweeteners has grown significantly in recent decades, with consumers often seeking 'natural' alternatives to table sugar. For those asking what's natural sweetener 960, the answer lies in steviol glycosides—the highly purified extracts from the leaves of the *Stevia rebaudiana* plant. These compounds offer intense sweetness without the calories, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers worldwide.

In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) officially approved the use of high-purity steviol glycosides as a food additive. Since then, consumer interest has grown, leading many to ask, "Does the EU allow stevia?" The approval marked a significant shift, but strict regulations govern which forms of stevia are permitted in the EU and how they can be used.

In November 2011, the European Union officially approved the use of steviol glycosides, effectively ending a long period of regulatory uncertainty. Despite this clear authorization, confusion and rumors persist, leading many to question: Are steviol glycosides banned in Europe? The answer is a definitive no, but a complex regulatory history means the details matter.