foaming agent INS 999

Quillaia extract E999

emulsifier, stabilizer — Primarily natural.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Quillaja saponaria extract

CAS: 68990-67-0

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Quillaia extract occurs naturally in Quillaja saponaria (soapbark tree) bark and Native to Chile and Peru. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Quillaia extract is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately Daily intake well below levels of concern liters of root beer at max 200 ppm in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 200 (beverages), varies by category mg/kg

Authorized as foaming agent in beverages

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)

Approved as foaming agent in beverages, max 200 ppm

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Approved as foaming agent

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (limited use level)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified (use limited to 200 mg/kg in beverages)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Daily intake well below levels of concern of liters of root beer at max 200 ppm

~200mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

A natural extract from the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree containing saponins (soap-like compounds). Creates stable foam in beverages and acts as an emulsifier. Best known for creating the foam in root beer and cream soda.

Quillaja saponaria (soapbark tree) barkNative to Chile and Peru

Manufacturing

Method: aqueous extraction from tree bark

The inner bark of Quillaja saponaria trees is harvested, dried, and extracted with hot water or dilute alcohol. The extract is filtered, concentrated, and purified to produce food-grade quillaia extract rich in saponins.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Shampoos, foaming bath products, skin cleansers

Medical

Vaccine adjuvant (immune booster), cough syrups

Industrial

Photography emulsions, fire extinguisher foam

Household

Natural soap and cleaning products, pet shampoos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quillaia extract (E999)?

Quillaia extract (E999) is a foaming agent used in food products. It is emulsifier, stabilizer and natural. A natural extract from the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree containing saponins (soap-like compounds). Creates stable foam in beverages and acts as an emulsifier. Best known for creating the foam in root beer and cream soda.

Where is Quillaia extract found naturally?

Quillaia extract is naturally found in Quillaja saponaria (soapbark tree) bark, Native to Chile and Peru. A natural extract from the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree containing saponins (soap-like compounds). Creates stable foam in beverages and acts as an emulsifier. Best known for creating the foam in root beer and cream soda.

What is the ADI for Quillaia extract?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Quillaia extract is Not specified (limited use level) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Quillaia extract?

Quillaia extract is used in various food categories including Flavoured drinks, Cider and perry. It is used as a foaming agent in these products.

Is Quillaia extract the same as Quillaja extract?

Yes, Quillaia extract is also known as Quillaja extract, Soapbark extract, Quillay extract, Soap tree bark extract. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence