What is E444?
E444 is Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate — made from sugar, used as a stabiliser to help keep food texture consistent and stop ingredients separating.
What is E444 (Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate)?
E444 is the E-number for sucrose acetate isobutyrate, one of the stabilisers group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group keep food texture consistent and stop ingredients separating. Made from sugar. Like every E-number, E444 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E444 in detail below.
Where is E444 found?
E444 is typically used in desserts, dairy products, sauces, dressings and processed foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E444) or by its full name, sucrose acetate isobutyrate. Common foods that may contain E444 include:
- Desserts
- Dairy products
- Sauces
- Dressings and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E444 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E444 safe?
E444 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E444.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E444 vegan?
E444 is vegan. Made from sugar, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E444 →Is E444 halal?
E444 is halal. Made from sugar, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E444 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E444 in food?
E444 is Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate — made from sugar, used as a stabiliser to help keep food texture consistent and stop ingredients separating.
Is E444 safe to eat?
Yes. E444 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E444 vegan?
E444 is vegan. Made from sugar, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E444 halal?
E444 is halal. Made from sugar, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).