Is E960 (Steviol glycosides (Stevia)) Halal?
Generally halal
E960 (Steviol glycosides / Stevia) is a high-intensity sweetener extracted from the stevia plant, so it is generally considered halal.
What is E960?
Steviol glycosides are natural, intense sweeteners extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. They are used to sweeten drinks and foods with no calories, often blended with other sweeteners.
Extracted and purified from stevia leaves with water and filtration. Some newer versions are made by fermentation. No animal-derived material.
Why is it generally halal?
Stevia sweeteners are extracted from a plant with no animal or intoxicating-alcohol component, so they are generally classified as halal. As always, the finished product still needs its own verification.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Diet and 'no added sugar' drinks
- Tabletop sweeteners
- Low-calorie yoghurts and desserts
- Sugar-free confectionery
How it appears on labels
Steviol glycosidesSteviaE960Sweetener (E960)INS number: 960
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E960 (stevia) halal?
Yes — steviol glycosides are extracted from the stevia plant with no animal origin, so they are generally considered halal. The finished product still needs verification.
Is stevia natural?
It is extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant (some newer versions are made by fermentation). Either way it is generally considered halal.
What names should I look for?
'Steviol glycosides', 'Stevia', 'E960' or 'Rebaudioside A'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Steviol glycosides (E 960) — food additive information — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Plant (stevia) origin
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.