INS 1422 / E1422ThickenerVegan

Acetylated Distarch Adipate (INS 1422)

TL;DR

INS 1422 is acetylated distarch adipate, a modified starch designed for products that get heated, stirred hard, and stored. It is the workhorse thickener behind smooth instant noodles soup, white sauces, and many ready-to-eat curries on Indian shelves. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.

Quick Facts

INS Number
1422
E-Number
E1422
Category
Thickener
Veg Status
Vegan
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (2017)
Composition
A modified starch cross-linked with adipic anhydride and esterified with acetic anhydride. The cross-link plus acetyl groups give a starch that holds texture under heat, shear, and acid better than the base starch. Source is usually corn or tapioca.

What is INS 1422?

INS 1422 is acetylated distarch adipate, a modified starch designed for products that get heated, stirred hard, and stored. It is the workhorse thickener behind smooth instant noodles soup, white sauces, and many ready-to-eat curries on Indian shelves.

Why brands add it

Brands use it because instant cup-noodles, white-sauce pasta, and ready-to-eat sabji all hit the starch with high heat and shear when reheated, and the texture has to survive that. Acetylated distarch adipate gives a clean, glossy mouthfeel that does not break down or weep on the plate.

Where you'll find it

INS 1422 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:

  • instant noodles soup base
  • white sauces and pasta sauce
  • ready-to-eat curries and dal
  • ketchup and tomato concentrates
  • salad dressings
  • soup powders

Veg or non-veg? - Vegan

Acetylated distarch adipate is made from plant starches (corn, tapioca) using adipic anhydride and acetic anhydride. 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.

Also known as

On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 1422 is also called:

1422ins 1422e1422e 1422acetylated distarch adipatemodified starchada

Frequently Asked Questions

Is INS 1422 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Acetylated distarch adipate is made from plant starches (corn, tapioca) using adipic anhydride and acetic anhydride. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
Is INS 1422 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 1422 used for?+
Brands use it because instant cup-noodles, white-sauce pasta, and ready-to-eat sabji all hit the starch with high heat and shear when reheated, and the texture has to survive that. Acetylated distarch adipate gives a clean, glossy mouthfeel that does not break down or weep on the plate.
Is INS 1422 (also written as E1422) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 1422 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E1422 (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 adipate).

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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