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E999 – Quillaja Extract: Foaming Agent Explained

E999 is an approved food additive (foaming agent) derived from the bark of the Quillaja tree. It is mainly used in beverages to create stable foam and improved texture.

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Things worth knowing about "E999"

E999 is an approved food additive (foaming agent) derived from the bark of the Quillaja tree. It is mainly used in beverages to create stable foam and improved texture.

What is E999?

E999 is a food additive classified as a foaming agent. It is derived from the bark of the Quillaja tree (Quillaja saponaria), a deciduous tree native to South America. Its active components are primarily natural saponins -- plant-based compounds with soap-like properties. E999 is approved for use as a food additive in the European Union and is applied in certain beverages, particularly low-alcohol or non-alcoholic mixed drinks and beer.

Origin and Production

Quillaja extract is obtained from the inner bark of the Quillaja tree, which grows mainly in Chile and Peru. The bark contains high concentrations of triterpene saponins, which are responsible for its foam-forming properties. After extraction, the raw material is purified and standardized to ensure consistent quality and a defined saponin content.

Use in Food Products

In the food industry, E999 is primarily used as a foaming agent and emulsifier. Typical applications include:

Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers
Flavoured mixed drinks and soft drinks
Water-based beverages where a stable foam or creamy texture is desired

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, the permitted maximum level is generally 200 mg/l (expressed as anhydrous Quillaja extract) in specific beverage categories.

Mechanism of Action

The saponins present in Quillaja extract are amphiphilic molecules, meaning they have both a water-attracting (hydrophilic) and a fat-attracting (lipophilic) portion. This property allows them to accumulate at the interface between water and air or water and oil, forming stable foams and emulsions. In beverages, E999 creates a uniform foam head and improves overall mouthfeel and texture.

Safety and Tolerability

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E999 and concluded that it is safe when used as intended and within the permitted maximum levels. Saponins are absorbed only in very small amounts by the human gut. In sensitive individuals, high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or bloating. People with known plant allergies should be aware that Quillaja extracts may occasionally trigger allergic reactions.

As E999 is derived from a plant source, it is generally considered a natural additive. However, this does not indicate organic or ecological production.

Labelling Requirements

Foods containing E999 must declare this additive in the ingredient list in accordance with EU food labelling regulations, either as E999 or as Quillaja extract.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Quillaja extract (E 999) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2017.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
Vincken, J.P. et al. - Saponins, classification and occurrence in the plant kingdom. Phytochemistry, 2007.

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