Acid-treated starch
A safe, lightly processed plant starch.
- Category
- Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Acid-treated starch is plant starch thinned with dilute acid so it can be used at high concentrations without turning stiff.
How it is used in food
Lets sweets be moulded at high solids, which is how gum drops set firm rather than sticky.
Commonly found in- Gum sweets and jellies
- Confectionery centres
- Batters and coatings
Health and safety
None known. Shortening the chains does not change how your gut handles the starch.
EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation of the modified starches found no safety concern at the reported use levels and set no numerical ADI — they are handled as food ingredients rather than as toxicological hazards.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E1401
Worth knowing
The acid is washed out; what reaches the food is starch with shorter chains.
Conclusion
A safe, lightly processed plant starch.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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