Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) is a highly hydrophobic ester of sucrose with acetic and isobutyric acids. Its primary food application is as a density-adjusting agent in citrus-flavoured and other emulsified beverages, where it keeps flavour oil uniformly dispersed throughout the drink rather than floating to the top or settling. It produces the characteristic cloudy or uniform appearance of commercial citrus beverages and juices.

JECFA's ADI for SAIB is 20 mg per kilogram body weight per day, established in 1979. SAIB is hydrolysed in the body to sucrose, acetic acid, and isobutyric acid — all normal dietary components. No adverse effects have been identified at food additive concentrations. The numerical ADI was established conservatively based on comprehensive animal safety studies.

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate is approved in the EU, US (GRAS), and most global markets. It is almost exclusively encountered in commercial fruit beverages, soft drinks, and juice-based drinks where emulsification and density balance are needed. For healthy adults there are no safety concerns at typical beverage consumption levels. Its presence in a product is not an indicator of any particular health concern.