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E999EmulsifierLow concern
Quillaia Extract
In plain words
The short version
A natural soap-bark extract rich in saponins — creates and stabilizes the foam in root beer and sodas.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI 0–1 mg/kg body weight as saponins (JECFA group ADI, 2005). EFSA's 2019 re-evaluation set an ADI of 3 mg saponins/kg body weight per day. The saponins are poorly absorbed; permitted in specified drinks at low levels and, in the EU since Regulation (EU) 2025/2084, also in food supplements and flavourings.
The detail
A natural extract from the bark of the soap-bark tree (Quillaja saponaria), rich in foaming saponins.
A foaming agent and emulsifier that creates and stabilizes the foam or 'head' in soft drinks — notably root beer, cream soda, and some slush and cocktail mixers.
Brownish liquid or powder that foams strongly in water even at low concentration.
EU-permitted in flavoured drinks and in cider and perry and, since Regulation (EU) 2025/2084, in food supplements and flavourings, with limits expressed as saponins; US: listed in 21 CFR 172.510 (natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors); FEMA GRAS no. 2973.
Sources
- EFSA FAF Panel — Re-evaluation of Quillaia extract (E 999) as a food additive and safety of the proposed extension of use (2019) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal 2019;17(3):5622), 2019. Safety: EFSA ADI (3 mg saponins/kg bw) superseding older figures
- WHO JECFA database — Quillaia extract (Type 1) (INS 999i) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 2005. Safety: JECFA group ADI 0-1 mg/kg bw as saponins
- EUR-Lex — Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/2084 amending Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as regards the use of quillaia extract (E 999) and its specifications — Publications Office of the European Union, 2025. Regulation: EU uses now include flavourings and food supplements, with limits expressed as saponins
- FDA Substances Added to Food inventory — Quillaia extract (Quillaja saponaria Molina) — US Food and Drug Administration, 2026. Regulation: US status is 21 CFR 172.510 (natural substance used with flavors) plus FEMA GRAS
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.