Steviol glycoside assay (e960)

Steviol glycosides are natural sweeteners extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana .
They include stevioside and rebaudioside A , known for their sweetening power up to 300 times greater than sucrose. Used as an alternative to traditional sugars, they are incorporated into a wide range of food and nutraceutical products. Their measurement is essential to guarantee regulatory compliance, ensure transparent labeling, and validate the nutritional claims of stevia-enriched formulations.

Analytical methods for the determination of steviol glycosides

The assay relies primarily on high-precision chromatographic methods:

• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) : reference method for separating and individually quantifying the different glycosides present in a stevia extract or formulation.
• LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry) : allows sensitive and specific detection, ideal for complex matrices such as beverages or enriched products.

These approaches guarantee reliable and reproducible results, comparable to those used for other sweeteners and bioactive compounds, such as theobromine or trigonelline .

Industrial applications and regulatory challenges

Steviol glycoside analysis is applicable to several sectors:

• Agri-food : quality control of beverages, desserts, dairy products, confectionery and low-fat formulations.
• Nutraceuticals : standardization of food supplements and stevia extracts intended for weight management or glycemic control.
• Plants and natural extracts : quantification of active ingredients in raw stevia leaves and extracts.
• Regulation : compliance with the limits set by the EFSA and with European directives governing the use of steviol glycosides (E960) in food.

This analysis is complementary to other nutritional and regulatory controls, such as the measurement of total carbohydrates or the calculation of calories .

Matrices analyzed for steviol glycosides

YesWeLab's partner laboratories perform assays on a wide variety of matrices: crude stevia extracts, sweeteners in powder or granule form, food supplements, functional beverages, and processed products enriched with steviol glycosides. Each matrix requires a specific preparation to guarantee representative results that comply with standards.

Quality and traceability issues

The concentration of steviol glycosides varies depending on the variety of Stevia rebaudiana , growing conditions, harvesting, and extraction processes. Precise measurement is therefore essential to: verify the actual rebaudioside A or stevioside content, ensure consistency between batches, substantiate claims such as "no added sugar" or "reduced sugar," and meet nutritional labeling standards and consumer expectations for transparency. This approach is comparable to the controls carried out for other functional ingredients, such as theanine or tryptamine .

YesWeLab's expertise in steviol glycoside assay

YesWeLab works with a network of over 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards. Our experts support manufacturers in choosing the most suitable method, depending on the matrix and objectives: quality control, regulatory compliance, or the development of new formulations. Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from a simplified service: online quotes, real-time tracking of your samples, and rapid delivery of results. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have entrusted us with the management of their analyses.

Take action

Do you want to ensure the compliance of your stevia extracts, supplements, or food products enriched with natural sweeteners? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for reliable and precise steviol glycoside (E960) testing. Request a quote online now for your analyses.