E960c – Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides

General Information

The food additive E960с (Enzyme-produced steviol glycosides) is a subtype of the food additive E960, used in the food industry as a high-intensity sweetener.

The main component of the additive E960с is rebaudioside M with the chemical formula C₅₆H₉₀O₃₃.

In terms of organoleptic properties, the sweetener E960с significantly outperforms traditional stevia extracts (E960a), as the high content of rebaudioside M provides a sweet taste that is very close to sucrose and is practically free from the characteristic metallic, herbal, or bitter aftertaste.

Since the content of rebaudioside M in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana is very low (less than 1%), its extraction by simple methods is economically impractical. Therefore, unlike other subtypes of the additive E960, the sweetener E960с is produced using specific enzymes — glucosyltransferases, which convert common natural glycosides, in particular rebaudioside A into rebaudioside M through targeted enzymatic conversion.

In the food industry, the additive E960с is used as a low-calorie sweetener in soft drinks, confectionery products, yogurts, and dietary foods.

For more details 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.