INS 1442 is hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, a modified starch built specifically for products that get frozen, thawed, and reheated without going watery. It is one of the most common stabilisers in Indian frozen ready-meals and instant gravies. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
INS 1442 is hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, a modified starch built specifically for products that get frozen, thawed, and reheated without going watery. It is one of the most common stabilisers in Indian frozen ready-meals and instant gravies.
Brands use it because plain starch 'retrogrades' (goes back to a hard, weepy texture) when a product is frozen and thawed. The double modification keeps gravies smooth in a microwave reheat, soft-serve premixes creamy, and instant pulao masala from clumping.
INS 1442 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate is made from plant starches (corn, tapioca, potato) using propylene oxide and a phosphate cross-linker. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
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 propylene oxide residues are within accepted specifications.
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 1442 is also called:
Last verified: 2026-04-30.