Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate
The short version
SAIB — a heavy density-matching emulsifier for citrus-flavored beverages; replaced BVO in many reformulations.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Manufactured by mixed acetylation and isobutyrylation of sucrose with acetic anhydride and isobutyric anhydride. The mixed-ester sucrose product is heavy (density ~1.15) and oil-soluble — exactly matching the density of citrus flavor oils.
How it's used
Added at 50–300 ppm to citrus-flavored soft drinks and energy drinks to match the density of citrus oils to the beverage water phase — prevents oil ring formation during storage. Specifically named when Pepsi and Coca-Cola removed brominated vegetable oil (BVO) from US formulations in 2014.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–10 mg/kg body weight (JECFA). Largely hydrolyzed in digestion to sucrose, acetic acid, and isobutyric acid — all normal dietary components. The fraction reaching the colon is fermented.
Physical & chemical properties
Colorless, very viscous (honey-like) liquid. Oil-soluble; insoluble in water. Heavy density.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the US, EU (since 2017), Canada, and most jurisdictions for beverage applications.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.