My diet:

E444 Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB)

E444EmulsifiersOrigin: Lab-made
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Every diet

VeganYes

The sucrose backbone is plant sugar, esterified. The regulation does not use an animal fat.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

At most 300 mg per kilogram of drink, and it is not metabolized as a spoon of sugar.

Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
SAIB (E444) is a thick sucrose ester that keeps citrus oil mixed into a drink. The FDA caps it at 300 mg per kilogram of a nonalcoholic beverage. It replaced some of the work brominated vegetable oil used to do.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE444
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesEmulsifiers
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledSucrose acetate isobutyrate, SAIB

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

The FDA allows sucrose acetate isobutyrate only as a stabilizer of flavoring-oil emulsions in nonalcoholic beverages, at no more than 300 mg per kilogram of the finished drink (21 CFR 172.833). The EU lists it as E444 with its own beverage caps, and Canada permits it in the same kind of drink. It does the job brominated vegetable oil used to do, and it is not brominated vegetable oil. It is also not ester gum, which is pine rosin joined to glycerol.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

SAIB is a pale, very viscous liquid. Blended with orange oil, it raises the density of the oil droplets so they stay suspended and the soda looks evenly cloudy.

Where it comes from: SAIB is sucrose esterified with acetic and isobutyric acids until it becomes a thick, almost tasteless liquid that is heavier than citrus oil. Flavor houses dissolve orange oil into it so the oil does not float to the top of a drink. The FDA identity gives CAS 27216-37-1.

Why it’s in food

  • Weights citrus oils in soft drinks
  • Keeps a cloudy drink from forming a neck ring
  • Replaces brominated vegetable oil
  • Stabilizes a flavor emulsion

Often found in

Citrus sodaOther cloudy nonalcoholic drinksFlavor emulsionsSome alcoholic coolers under a separate US notice

Also listed as: Sucrose acetate isobutyrate, SAIB, E444

Health & gut impact

A beverage capBenefit

The FDA permits SAIB only for flavoring oils in nonalcoholic drinks, and the finished drink may not exceed 300 mg per kilogram.

21 CFR 172.833

Not brominated vegetable oilBenefit

Brominated vegetable oil is a different chemical, and the FDA has removed it. SAIB is a sucrose ester with its own rule.

FDA status of brominated vegetable oil, contrasted with 21 CFR 172.833

What can I use instead?

Ester gum

Ratio: The drink formula has to be rebuilt

Best for: Weighting citrus oil

Gum arabic

Ratio: It emulsifies rather than weighting the oil

Best for: A cloudy drink

Related

More emulsifiers:

Acetylated monoglycerides E472aAcetylated monoglycerides (E472a) are fat-based emulsifiers that help bread hold air and keep whipped toppings stable. They are common in bakery and generally considered safe; check the source fat if you avoid animal ingredients.Use in moderationAmmonium phosphatides E442Ammonium phosphatides (E442) are a chocolate emulsifier made from vegetable oil. They are an alternative to soy lecithin when a recipe needs chocolate to flow, and they are considered safe.Generally safeBrominated vegetable oil (BVO)Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) kept the citrus flavor from floating to the top of some sodas. The FDA banned it in 2024 because of thyroid effects, so check older or imported citrus drinks.Best to avoidCalcium stearoyl lactylate E482Calcium stearoyl lactylate (E482) is a dough strengthener that helps bread rise and stay soft. Its fat source varies, so vegans and people following halal or kosher rules should check the label.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is SAIB the same as brominated vegetable oil?

No. SAIB is a sucrose ester. Brominated vegetable oil is a different ingredient, and the FDA no longer allows it.

Is the 'sucrose' in the name table sugar I will absorb?

The sucrose has been esterified into a heavy liquid used at up to 300 mg per kilogram of drink. It is not a sweetener.

Is Sucrose acetate isobutyrate safe?

Use in moderation (74/100). The FDA allows sucrose acetate isobutyrate only as a stabilizer of flavoring-oil emulsions in nonalcoholic beverages, at no more than 300 mg per kilogram of the finished drink (21 CFR 172.833). The EU lists it as E444 with its own beverage caps, and Canada permits it in the same kind of drink. It does the job brominated vegetable oil used to do, and it is not brominated vegetable oil. It is also not ester gum, which is pine rosin joined to glycerol.

Is Sucrose acetate isobutyrate vegan?

Yes. The sucrose backbone is plant sugar, esterified. The regulation does not use an animal fat.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 172.833 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E444
  • 21 CFR 172.833
  • FDA status of brominated vegetable oil, contrasted with 21 CFR 172.833

INS 444 · CAS 27216-37-1