Comparing E443 - Brominated vegetable oil vs E444 - Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

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Overview

E443 - Brominated vegetable oil

Brominated vegetable oil (E443) is a modified vegetable oil once used to keep citrus flavor oils mixed evenly in some soft drinks. In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule revoking its authorization for use in foods because of safety concerns. Consumers can still spot it on labels as “brominated vegetable oil.”

E444 - Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (E444) is a dense, syrupy liquid made from sucrose and food-grade acids. In drinks, it helps keep citrus oils and flavor droplets evenly mixed so the beverage looks and tastes the same from first sip to last. It does not add sweetness or flavor on its own.

Synonyms

E443

Brominated vegetable oil

E444

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

Functions

emulsifier stabilizer

stabilizer

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 567 products

Found in 416 products

Search rank & volume

#2203.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#2721.3K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.80

normal

×0.47

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What foods contain brominated vegetable oil?
Mostly citrus-flavored soft drinks and occasionally sports/energy drinks in markets where it’s permitted; it’s rarely used in solid foods. Many brands have reformulated or it’s not allowed in some regions (e.g., EU, Japan), so check the ingredient list for “brominated vegetable oil” or E443.
Does coca-cola contain brominated vegetable oil?
No—The Coca‑Cola Company says it no longer uses brominated vegetable oil in its beverages (earlier formulations like some Powerade varieties were reformulated). Always verify by checking the ingredient list for your specific product and market.
What is brominated vegetable oil used for?
It’s a density-adjusting emulsifier that keeps citrus flavor oils evenly suspended in soft drinks so they don’t separate. Alternatives used for the same purpose include SAIB (E444) and glycerol ester of wood rosin (E445).
What drinks contain brominated vegetable oil?
Historically, some citrus-flavored sodas and certain sports/energy drinks used it, but many brands have removed it or it’s not permitted in some regions. If present, it will appear on the label as “brominated vegetable oil” or E443.
What foods have brominated vegetable oil?
Primarily citrus-flavored soft drinks (and occasionally sports/energy drinks); it’s uncommon in other food categories. Presence varies by country and brand, so check labels for “brominated vegetable oil” or E443.