Hydroxypropyl Distarch Glycerol (E1443): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Hydroxypropyl distarch glycerol is food starch that has been both hydroxypropylated with propylene oxide and cross-linked with glycerol, producing a stable thickener valued for clarity and freeze-thaw resistance. As with other modified starches, digestive enzymes hydrolyse it to glucose and colonic bacteria ferment the remainder, so it behaves nutritionally like starch. It is not authorised as a food additive in the EU or UK, where the permitted list uses phosphate cross-linking rather than glycerol.
- Category
- Modified Starch / Thickener — Modified starch
- Typically used in
- Thickener and stabiliser in chilled and frozen foods and dressings, where permitted.
- Regulatory status
- Not authorised as a food additive in the EU or UK; the permitted list covers hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate E1442 rather than the glycerol-crosslinked analogue.
Scrannr flags Hydroxypropyl Distarch Glycerol automatically when you scan a barcode.
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2017) — Re-evaluation of oxidised starch and other modified starches as food additives https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7009865/
- UK Food Standards Agency (2024) — Approved additives and E numbers https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers
Products containing Hydroxypropyl Distarch Glycerol
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