Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate, SAIB, is a food additive (E444) made by esterifying sucrose with acetic anhydride and isobutyric anhydride. It is a dense, neutral-tasting liquid used as a weighting agent, also called a density adjuster, in citrus-flavoured beverages: it keeps flavour oils evenly suspended so drinks stay uniformly cloudy instead of separating into an oily ring at the neck. It is also used in chewing gum and as a flavour fixative. Its use levels are regulated, and it must be declared on ingredient labels in markets where it is permitted.