Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
The food additive E960a is a subtype of steviol glycosides (the food additive E960) obtained directly from an aqueous extract of stevia leaves (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni).
Like other subtypes of the E960 additive, the food additive E960a is a high-intensity sweetener—approximately 150–300 times sweeter than sucrose. This subtype is characterized by high stability across a wide range of temperatures and pH values, as well as a slightly pronounced bitter aftertaste.
The main difference between the food additive E960a and other subtypes of the E960 additive lies in its method of production: it is an exclusively plant-derived extract obtained without the use of specific enzymatic modifications or genetic engineering of microorganisms.
Steviol glycosides are obtained by extracting Stevia rebaudiana leaves using aqueous-alcoholic solutions, followed by purification processes that include filtration, adsorption, and chromatographic methods.
In the food industry, the E960a additive is used as a low-calorie sweetener in non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery products, yogurts, and dietary foods.
For more detailed information on the properties of steviol glycosides, their effects on the human body, and references to scientific studies, see the material on the food additive E960.