What's Natural Sweetener 960? Your Guide to Steviol Glycosides

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.

Quick Summary

Steviol glycosides (E960) are potent, zero-calorie natural sweeteners from the stevia plant. They're used as a sugar substitute in foods and drinks to aid in reducing calories, managing blood glucose, and supporting weight goals.

Key Points

• Identity: Natural sweetener 960 is steviol glycosides, purified extracts from Stevia rebaudiana.

• Sweetness and Calories: It is intensely sweet (200-300x sugar) with zero calories and zero glycemic index.

• Benefits: Supports weight management, blood sugar control, and dental health.

• Production: Obtained from stevia leaves via extraction and purification, or through fermentation.

• Safety: High-purity forms are approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA within an Acceptable Daily Intake.

• Considerations: May have a lingering aftertaste; some blends include other ingredients.

• Usage: Applicable in beverages, confectionery, and desserts; often blended for better taste.

What are Steviol Glycosides (E960)?

Natural sweetener 960 is the food additive code for steviol glycosides, a group of sweet compounds purified from Stevia rebaudiana leaves. These are high-intensity sweeteners, much sweeter than sugar.

The Source: The Stevia Plant

The Stevia rebaudiana plant is native to South America and is now grown globally. Its leaves contain sweet steviol glycosides, with over 70 types known, such as stevioside and rebaudioside A.

The Production Process: From Leaf to Powder

Production starts with harvesting and drying leaves, then steeping them in hot water for a crude extract. Purification removes bitter compounds and concentrates sweeter ones like Reb A. Fermentation can also produce specific glycosides like Rebaudioside M for a cleaner taste.

Health Benefits and Considerations of Sweetener 960

Using steviol glycosides instead of sugar can have health advantages.

Potential Benefits

• Zero Calories: Steviol glycosides have no calories or glycemic impact, useful for weight management and do not contribute calories.
• Blood Sugar Control: They don't affect blood sugar or insulin, making them suitable for diabetics.
• Dental Health: They do not cause tooth decay, supporting oral health.
• Potential Antioxidant Properties: Research suggests possible antioxidant effects.

Side Effects and Regulatory Status

High intake might lead to mild effects like bloating or a metallic taste for some. High-purity steviol glycosides have been evaluated and deemed safe by bodies like the FDA, EFSA, and JECFA within set daily limits.

Comparison of Steviol Glycosides with Other Sweeteners

A comparison with other sweeteners is available on {Link: foodadditives.net https://foodadditives.net/natural-sweeteners/steviol-glycosides/}.

Conclusion

Steviol glycosides (natural sweetener 960), derived from the stevia plant, are a safe, zero-calorie sugar substitute that can help reduce calorie/carb intake and manage diabetes and weight. While early forms sometimes had aftertaste issues, newer methods and blending have improved flavor. They are a versatile sweetener for many products, and consumption should follow regulatory guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary source of natural sweetener 960?

The primary source of natural sweetener 960 (steviol glycosides) is the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, a native shrub from South America.

Does sweetener 960 contain any calories or carbohydrates?

No, steviol glycosides contain zero calories and have no impact on blood glucose or insulin levels, making them a non-nutritive sweetener.

Is sweetener 960 safe for people with diabetes?

Yes, major health organizations and regulatory bodies have deemed high-purity steviol glycosides safe for diabetics, as they do not affect blood sugar.

Why does stevia sometimes have a bitter aftertaste?

The lingering, sometimes bitter aftertaste is often associated with less-purified stevia extracts. Modern purification methods that isolate better-tasting glycosides like Reb M help minimize this.

What is the difference between E960 and the stevia plant?

E960 refers to the highly purified steviol glycoside extracts approved as a food additive, while the stevia plant itself and its crude extracts are not approved for food use in many regions, including the US.

Can sweetener 960 be used in cooking and baking?

Yes, but with caveats. Steviol glycosides are heat-stable but can't replace the bulk and texture that sugar provides. In baking, they are often used in combination with other ingredients or fillers.

Are there any side effects to consuming steviol glycosides?

For most people, steviol glycosides are well-tolerated. However, excessive consumption may lead to minor gastrointestinal side effects like bloating or nausea in some sensitive individuals.

How is the safety of sweetener 960 ensured by authorities?

Safety is ensured through evaluations by regulatory bodies like the FDA, EFSA, and JECFA, which establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) based on extensive research and toxicology studies.