Sucrose acetate isobutyrate
Citrus-drink cloud stabilizer.
- Category
- Emulsifiers, Stabilisers
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A specialized emulsifier used to keep fats and water blended together smoothly.
How it is used in food
Essential in chocolate making to ensure it flows smoothly during production without needing excess cocoa butter.
Commonly found in- Chocolate
- Desserts
- Beverages
Health and safety
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at authorized levels.
Regularly evaluated by EFSA for safety.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E444
Worth knowing
Ammonium phosphatides (E442) are widely used in commercial milk chocolate as a cheaper alternative to natural lecithin.
Conclusion
You only need to consider sucrose acetate isobutyrate if you regularly drink processed citrus beverages where it stabilises clouds. Chemically produced from modified sugars and fats, it is recognised as safe at authorised levels and routinely evaluated by EFSA. For average consumers, sucrose acetate isobutyrate is a limited concern linked to processed drink intake.
References
- EFSA evaluation of E444 — EFSA
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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