E1450 Starch sodium octenyl succinate (OSA starch)

E1450EmulsifiersOrigin: Plant

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Gluten-freeDepends

Usually from corn or tapioca. Check the source if wheat matters to you.

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoDepends

Used in small amounts, so it adds few carbs, but it is still starch.

Low-FODMAPDepends

Corn and tapioca versions are low-FODMAP. Check the source for wheat.

The short answer

Starch sodium octenyl succinate (E1450) is a starch that holds oil droplets evenly in drinks and flavor powders. It's vegan and safe, and it's the usual replacement for gum arabic.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE1450

Comes fromPlant

What it doesEmulsifiers

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledOSA starch, Octenyl succinate starch

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It is a common replacement for gum arabic in beverage flavor emulsions.

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

What is it?

The modified starch has a fat-loving tail and a water-loving body. It wraps around tiny oil droplets, so citrus oils and flavors stay mixed in a drink instead of floating on top.

Where it comes from: Starch from corn, tapioca or waxy maize, lightly modified with a fat-like chemical. The modified starch then wraps around oil droplets to hold them in water.

Why it’s in food

Keeps citrus oils mixed in soft drinks
Makes powdered flavors disperse in water
Replaces gum arabic in beverage emulsions
Stabilizes vitamin premixes

Often found in

Flavored soft drinksPowdered flavorsVitamin premixesFlavored syrupsBeverage emulsions

Also listed as: OSA starch, Octenyl succinate starch, E1450

Health & gut impact

DigestionConcern

It is digested like normal starch, and there is no evidence it harms digestion at food levels.

JECFA evaluation of modified starches

What can I use instead?

Gum arabic

Ratio: 1:1 by weight

Best for: Citrus oil emulsions

More emulsifiers:

Acetylated monoglycerides E472aAcetylated monoglycerides (E472a) are fat-based emulsifiers that help bread hold air and keep whipped toppings stable. They are common in bakery and generally considered safe; check the source fat if you avoid animal ingredients.Use in moderation Ammonium phosphatides E442Ammonium phosphatides (E442) are a chocolate emulsifier made from vegetable oil. They are an alternative to soy lecithin when a recipe needs chocolate to flow, and they are considered safe.Generally safe Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) kept the citrus flavor from floating to the top of some sodas. The FDA banned it in 2024 because of thyroid effects, so check older or imported citrus drinks.Best to avoid Calcium stearoyl lactylate E482Calcium stearoyl lactylate (E482) is a dough strengthener that helps bread rise and stay soft. Its fat source varies, so vegans and people following halal or kosher rules should check the label.Use in moderation

Common questions

Why is E1450 used instead of gum arabic?

It works in a similar way and is often more stable and easier to source, which is why beverage makers use it.

Is E1450 gluten-free?

Only if the starch is from corn or tapioca. Wheat-based versions are not, so check the source on the label.

Is Starch sodium octenyl succinate safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It is a common replacement for gum arabic in beverage flavor emulsions.

Is Starch sodium octenyl succinate gluten-free?

Depends. Usually from corn or tapioca. Check the source if wheat matters to you.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E1450
JECFA evaluation of modified starches

INS 1450