emulsifier INS 444

Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate E444

weighting_agent — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

CAS: 126-13-6

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate?

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) is an emulsifying agent produced from sucrose by esterification with acetic and isobutyric anhydrides. Its primary application is as a weighting agent for flavor oils and essential oils in carbonated and non-carbonated beverages — it helps oil-based clouding agents remain uniformly dispersed. JECFA established an ADI of 20 mg/kg body weight. EFSA authorized SAIB in 2004, confirming safety at permitted use levels. It is approved in the EU, USA (GRAS), and several other jurisdictions specifically for beverage applications.

? Did You Know?

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~4 cans citrus soda (with maximum SAIB) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 300 mg/kg

Only in non-alcoholic flavored drinks

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Approved food additive

Maximum 300 ppm in beverages

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0-10 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

7 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~4 cans of citrus soda (with maximum SAIB)

~105mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by esterification of sucrose with acetic anhydride and isobutyric anhydride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (E444)?

Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (E444) is a emulsifier used in food products. It is weighting_agent and synthetic. A density-adjusting agent used in beverages to keep flavor oils and citrus oils in suspension. Prevents separation and cloudiness in drinks.

What is the ADI for Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate is 0-10 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate?

Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate is used in various food categories including Flavoured drinks. It is used as a emulsifier in these products.

Is Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate the same as SAIB?

Yes, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate is also known as SAIB, Sucrose diacetate hexaisobutyrate. These are different names for the same substance.