E444

What is E444?

An ester used as a stabilising or clouding-agent ingredient in specified food applications, particularly where a beverage formulation needs a defined technical function. Goodnessly rates E444 Safe, while food-category permissions and regulator conditions still apply.

Quick answer

An ester used as a stabilising or clouding-agent ingredient in specified food applications, particularly where a beverage formulation needs a defined technical function. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.

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Read the FAQ →

What is Sucrose acetate isobutyrate?

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate is An ester used as a stabilising or clouding-agent ingredient in specified food applications, particularly where a beverage formulation needs a defined technical function. Its function depends on the formulation and the conditions attached to the permitted use.

What's it used for?

  • Supporting stability in beverage formulations
  • Helping maintain a consistent clouding system
  • Working as a defined ester-based technical ingredient
  • Working within category-specific use conditions

Where you'll find E444 on the shelf

You may see E444 in beverage products where its stabilising or clouding function is useful and the food category permits it.

Food additive
Specified use
Food formulation
Label check
E444

Is E444 permitted? What the regulators say

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate is listed in the checked AU/NZ and EU frameworks with conditions. Permission is conditional: category, level, identity and specifications matter.

RegionStatusWhat this means
AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ)Permitted with conditionsFSANZ lists 444 for specified food uses in the Food Standards Code. [FSANZ source]
EU European Union (EUR-Lex)Authorised with conditionsThe consolidated Union list includes E444 for specified categories and conditions. [EUR-Lex source]
US United States (FDA)Permitted with conditionsFDA lists sucrose acetate isobutyrate for specified food uses under 21 CFR 172.833. [FDA source]

Goodnessly rates E444 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.

📰Recent developmentsRegulator assessment checked 25 Sep 2026
  • The checked primary sources frame E444 through permitted uses, specifications and category conditions rather than a new change notice for this draft. Re-check the current sources when a product or formulation is unusual.
  • Regulatory permissions can change; confirm the primary source when a product, recipe or use is unusual.

This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.

Who might want to limit or avoid it

  • People comparing additive functions across products
  • People checking the frequency of this ingredient in their usual foods
  • People who want to consider the whole formulation and serving pattern

Goodnessly rates E444 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.

How to spot it on a label

Look for:

  • Sucrose acetate isobutyrate
  • 444
  • E444
  • Stabiliser (444)

Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.

Frequently asked questions

What is E444?

E444 is Sucrose acetate isobutyrate, An ester used as a stabilising or clouding-agent ingredient in specified food applications, particularly where a beverage formulation needs a defined technical function.

Is E444 permitted?

E444 is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. FDA lists sucrose acetate isobutyrate for specified food uses under 21 CFR 172.833.

What should I know about sucrose acetate isobutyrate?

The checked primary sources frame E444 through permitted uses, specifications and category conditions rather than a new change notice for this draft. Re-check the current sources when a product or formulation is unusual.

How does Goodnessly rate E444?

Goodnessly rates E444 (Sucrose acetate isobutyrate) as Safe within its rating system.

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