What is E1420
E1420, also known as acetylated distarch phosphate, is a type of modified starch used widely in the food industry. It is made by chemically altering natural starch, typically from maize, potato, or tapioca, to improve its functionality in food processing.
This additive is created by treating starch with small amounts of acetic anhydride and sodium tripolyphosphate. The process introduces acetyl groups and phosphate cross-links into the starch structure. These modifications change how the starch behaves — making it more stable, less likely to break down during cooking or freezing, and able to maintain its thickening effect over time.
E1420 belongs to the modified starch classification because it is produced from plant-based starch but structurally changed to perform specific roles in food. The manufacturing process ensures the starch is safe for consumption while delivering improved texture, moisture retention, and stability.
Primary functions of E1420 in food
E1420, also known as acetylated distarch phosphate, plays several important roles in food manufacturing. Its main job is to improve product texture, stability and moisture control, which helps foods look and taste better for longer.
- Thickening agent – It gives products like sauces, custards and soups a smooth, consistent texture without making them overly heavy. This helps produce that familiar creamy or velvety feel consumers expect.
- Stabiliser – E1420 helps stop ingredients from separating over time, which is especially useful in foods like salad dressings, yoghurt and gravies where oil and water naturally want to split.
- Emulsifier-like effect – While not a true emulsifier, it supports blending of ingredients that wouldn’t normally mix well, helping keep flavour, texture and appearance uniform.
- Water retention – It holds onto moisture during production, storage and cooking, keeping baked goods soft, meats juicy and frozen foods from drying out.
By combining these functions, E1420 not only improves the eating experience but also supports consistent quality in large-scale production. This means products look fresher, taste better and have a more appealing mouthfeel from the first bite to the last. For more on how it works in real foods, you can check our guide on the functions of E1420 in food manufacturing.
Common food products containing E1420
E1420, also called acetylated distarch phosphate, is used in a wide range of everyday foods here in the UK. Its main role is to improve texture, stability, and shelf life, making products more appealing and consistent. You’ll often find it in:
- Dairy products – Added to yogurts, custards, and cream-based desserts to keep them smooth and prevent separation.
- Baked goods and pastries – Helps breads, cakes, and pastry fillings hold their structure and stay softer for longer.
- Frozen foods – Used in frozen ready meals and desserts to stop texture breakdown after thawing.
- Sauces, dressings, and gravies – Keeps mixtures thick and uniform, without lumps or watery separation.
- Processed meats – Works as a binder to lock in moisture and create a consistent bite in sausages, deli meats, and meat pies.
Because of its versatility, E1420 in processed foods is common across both retail and foodservice products, from supermarket own-brand items to big-name brands. It’s valued by manufacturers looking for a reliable thickening and stabilising solution that performs well through cooking, freezing, and reheating.
For more information on how it works in these products, see our detailed guide on E1420 food additive uses.
Benefits of using E1420 in food manufacturing
E1420, or acetylated distarch phosphate, offers food manufacturers several advantages that meet both production needs and customer expectations in the UK. It’s not just about cost savings – its benefits impact product quality, shelf life, and consistency.
Key benefits
1. Extends shelf life
- Slows down changes in texture during storage.
- Helps prevent separation or water release (syneresis) in ready-to-eat foods.
- Maintains product stability through transportation and varying temperatures.
2. Enhances mouthfeel and appearance
- Creates a smooth, creamy texture in dairy and dessert products.
- Improves gloss and visual appeal in sauces and dressings.
- Keeps baked goods soft for longer.
3. Cost-effective alternative to natural starches
- Requires less quantity for the same thickening or stabilising effect.
- Performs reliably even in frozen or reheated foods, reducing waste from failed batches.
4. Supports consistent product quality
- Delivers uniform texture and structure in every production run.
- Works well in different food formulations, making it easy to standardise recipes across product ranges.
| Benefit | Impact on Food | Benefit to Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Longer shelf life | Maintains freshness | Cuts returns and waste |
| Improved texture | Premium mouthfeel | Better customer satisfaction |
| Cost efficiency | Less ingredient use | Lower production costs |
| Consistent results | Reliable performance | Easier quality control |
Safety and regulatory status of E1420
E1420, also known as acetylated distarch phosphate, is considered safe for use in foods when used within approved limits. It has been reviewed and authorised by major food safety bodies, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E1420 is set at “not specified” by JECFA, meaning it is regarded as low-risk based on current evidence. Scientific studies show that the body does not break down modified starches like E1420 in a harmful way – they’re mostly treated like natural starch during digestion.
E1420 is not classed as a common allergen, and intolerance is rare, though some people with sensitive stomachs might experience mild digestive effects if consumed in large amounts. It is generally suitable for children, but as with all additives, it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
In the UK and across the EU, labelling rules require E1420 to be listed by name or by its E-number in the ingredients, ensuring transparency for consumers. This allows shoppers to make informed choices and identify modified starch content easily in packaged foods.
How Taichy Food Utilises E1420
At Taichy Food, we use E1420 (acetylated distarch phosphate) to deliver reliable texture, stability, and shelf-life in a wide range of products. Our priority is to meet both UK and international food safety standards, which means every batch of E1420 we use is sourced and processed under strict quality control.
We apply E1420 in products where consistency matters most, such as:
- Dairy-based desserts that need a smooth, creamy body without separating in the chiller.
- Frozen ready meals where E1420 helps maintain shape and texture after freezing and reheating.
- Sauces, gravies, and dressings that must stay stable during storage and transport.
- Bakery fillings where it prevents water separation and keeps the filling thick and appealing.
Our processes ensure full compliance with EFSA, FDA, and FSA regulations, including correct labelling requirements so consumers know exactly what’s in their food. Each formulation is tested to confirm stability, taste, and appearance remain consistent from production to the end of the product’s shelf life.
We also make sure our use of E1420 aligns with market needs in the UK — focusing on clean, predictable results without adding unnecessary complexity to recipes. For more details on E1420’s properties and uses, you can see our full guide on What is E1420 in Food and its functions as a food additive.
Frequently asked questions about E1420
Is E1420 natural or synthetic
E1420, also known as acetylated distarch phosphate, is a modified starch. It’s originally derived from natural plant sources like maize or potato starch, but it’s treated to change its properties. So, it’s not fully ‘natural’ in the original sense, but it isn’t a purely synthetic chemical either.
Can E1420 cause allergic reactions
Reactions to E1420 are extremely rare. It’s generally well tolerated, even by those with gluten intolerance (when sourced from gluten‑free starches). If someone has a specific starch allergy, they should check the source—this should be available through ingredient labelling on UK products.
How E1420 compares to other modified starches
Compared to other modified starches, E1420 has better heat stability, keeps its thickness after cooking, and performs well when frozen and thawed. This makes it more versatile than basic cornflour or standard starches, especially for foods that need to stay smooth over time.
Is E1420 safe for children or people with health conditions
Regulators, including the EFSA and Food Standards Agency, approve E1420 for all age groups when used within legal limits. It’s considered safe for children and those with most health conditions. Anyone on a special medical diet or with digestive issues should check with a health professional, but for the general public in the UK, it’s not linked to major health risks.
