My diet:

E1442 Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate

E1442Thickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

The starch is a plant. The modifying groups are not animal.

Gluten-freeDepends

Corn, tapioca and potato are gluten-free. Wheat must be declared.

HalalYes
KosherYes

Corn and some other bases are kitniyot for Passover.

KetoNo

It is still starch.

Low-FODMAPYes

The starch fraction is not a FODMAP. A wheat base is the exception to check.

The short answer
Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (E1442) is a modified starch built to survive acid, stirring and freezing. US labels usually hide it under modified food starch. It is allowed, and it is still a carbohydrate.
Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE1442
Comes fromPlant
What it doesThickeners & gums
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledHydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate starch

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate is one of the modified starches EFSA re-evaluated as a group in 2017, under E1442, with no need for a numerical daily intake. The US allows it as food starch-modified, and Canada permits it. A US ingredient line rarely prints the E-number. Wheat as the source still has to be named. It is a starch, so it counts as carbohydrate.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Yogurt, sauces and frozen meals use it because plain starch would thin out or weep. The gel stays short and does not turn stringy.

Where it comes from: This is a starch, usually corn, tapioca or potato, that has been cross-linked with phosphate and then given hydroxypropyl groups. The cross-links stop the granules from bursting in acid, heat and shear. The hydroxypropyl groups help the paste stay clear and survive a freeze. On a US label the same ingredient usually just says modified food starch.

Why it’s in food

  • Thickens yogurt that will be pumped and cooled
  • Holds a frozen sauce together after reheating
  • Survives the acid in a tomato dish
  • Keeps a filling from weeping

Often found in

YogurtFrozen mealsTomato saucesPie fillingBaby foodDressings

Also listed as: Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate starch

Health & gut impact

Grouped with the other modified starchesBenefit

EFSA's 2017 review of modified starches, including E1442, did not set a numerical acceptable daily intake.

EFSA 2017 re-evaluation of modified starches

Still digestible starchConcern

The modifications change texture. They do not turn the ingredient into fiber. A keto count treats it as carbohydrate.

Digestion of hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate

What can I use instead?

Modified food starch

Ratio: The US name often already is this, or a sibling

Best for: A label that does not print E-numbers

Acetylated distarch adipate

Ratio: A different pair of modifications

Best for: Another freeze-stable starch

Related

More thickeners & gums:

Acetylated distarch adipate E1422Acetylated distarch adipate (E1422) is a modified starch used in frozen foods and sauces. It is allowed. The US name on the label is usually just modified food starch, and it still counts as carbohydrate.Generally safeAgar-Agar E406Agar-agar (E406) is a seaweed gel that sets firmer than gelatin. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free, keto and kosher, and is the easiest plant swap for gelatin.Generally safeArrowroot (Arrowroot starch)Arrowroot is a tasteless starch from a tropical rhizome. It is vegan and gluten-free, it makes a clear gel, and it is not keto.Use in moderationBeta-glucan (β-glucan)Beta-glucan is the soluble fiber in oats and barley that the FDA's heart-disease claim is about, at 3 grams a day. Barley versions contain gluten. Yeast versions are a different fiber and do not carry that claim.Generally safe

Common questions

Why does my US yogurt not say E1442?

US labels say modified food starch. The E-number shows up on European labels.

Is E1442 gluten-free?

When the starch is corn, tapioca or potato, yes. Wheat has to be named if it is the source.

Is Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate is one of the modified starches EFSA re-evaluated as a group in 2017, under E1442, with no need for a numerical daily intake. The US allows it as food starch-modified, and Canada permits it. A US ingredient line rarely prints the E-number. Wheat as the source still has to be named. It is a starch, so it counts as carbohydrate.

Is Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate vegan?

Yes. The starch is a plant. The modifying groups are not animal.

Is Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate gluten-free?

Depends. Corn, tapioca and potato are gluten-free. Wheat must be declared.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E1442
  • EFSA 2017 re-evaluation of modified starches
  • Digestion of hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate

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