INS 1414 / E1414ThickenerVegan

Acetylated Distarch Phosphate (INS 1414)

TL;DR

INS 1414 is acetylated distarch phosphate, a modified starch that takes plain corn or tapioca starch and adds two stabilising tweaks so it can hold texture in cooked, acidic, or frozen-and-thawed products without breaking down. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.

Quick Facts

INS Number
1414
E-Number
E1414
Category
Thickener
Veg Status
Vegan
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (2017)
Composition
A modified starch cross-linked with sodium trimetaphosphate or phosphorus oxychloride and additionally esterified with acetic anhydride or vinyl acetate. The two modifications together give the starch better heat-and-acid stability than INS 1412 alone.

What is INS 1414?

INS 1414 is acetylated distarch phosphate, a modified starch that takes plain corn or tapioca starch and adds two stabilising tweaks so it can hold texture in cooked, acidic, or frozen-and-thawed products without breaking down.

Why brands add it

Brands use it because plain starch fails the 'instant kheer left in the fridge' test: it goes watery and grainy. The double modification keeps custard mixes smooth, fruit fillings stable in baking, and frozen white sauces creamy after thawing.

Where you'll find it

INS 1414 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:

  • custard and pudding mixes
  • fruit fillings for biscuits and pastries
  • white sauces and dips
  • soft-serve premixes
  • ready-to-eat curries
  • infant cereals (where permitted)

Veg or non-veg? - Vegan

Acetylated distarch phosphate is made from plant starches (corn, tapioca, potato) using acetic anhydride and a phosphate cross-linker. No animal product is used in its manufacture.

FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation

FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a thickener and stabiliser for specified food categories with category-specific limits.

JECFA: Group ADI 'not specified' for modified starches as a class. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation confirmed no safety concern at reported use levels and noted that modified starches are hydrolysed and fermented in the gut like ordinary starch.

Also known as

On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 1414 is also called:

1414ins 1414e1414e 1414acetylated distarch phosphatemodified starchstabilised starch

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INS 1414 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Acetylated distarch phosphate is made from plant starches (corn, tapioca, potato) using acetic anhydride and a phosphate cross-linker. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
Is INS 1414 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a thickener and stabiliser for specified food categories with category-specific limits.
What is INS 1414 used for?+
Brands use it because plain starch fails the 'instant kheer left in the fridge' test: it goes watery and grainy. The double modification keeps custard mixes smooth, fruit fillings stable in baking, and frozen white sauces creamy after thawing.
Is INS 1414 (also written as E1414) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 1414 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E1414 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (acetylated distarch phosphate).

Sources

Last verified: 2026-04-30.

Regulatory status, not medical advice
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.

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