E444: Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate
Main role: stabilizing beverage flavor dispersions
Also listed as: SAIB
What is E444 (Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate)?
Sucrose acetate isobutyrate is a sucrose-derived ingredient used to help balance the density of flavor dispersions. This can keep flavor-oil droplets distributed in certain drinks.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is stabilizing beverage flavor dispersions. Emulsifiers help ingredients mix or remain distributed. The recipe determines whether that means dispersing fat, improving dough handling, or controlling a coating. Their presence alone does not describe the food’s overall nutritional quality.
Food and formulation examples
- Flavored beverage concentrates
- Cloudy drinks where permitted
- Flavor-oil emulsions
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E444, E 444, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include SAIB. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Although sucrose is part of its name, SAIB's main role is not sweetening. The sugar content of the finished drink must be read from the nutrition panel.
Is E444 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E444 as Sucrose acetate isobutyrate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.