E1450 Emulsifier

Starch Sodium Octenyl Succinate

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 24 July 2026 · Editorial policy

What it does

Emulsifier/stabiliser.

How it's made

Modified starch.

Starch sodium octenyl succinate is a modified starch used as an emulsifier and stabiliser, particularly good at keeping oil droplets dispersed in products such as drinks, dressings, flavour emulsions and encapsulated powders. It is a starch that has been chemically altered to make part of it oil-loving.

It is made by treating ordinary food starch (from corn, waxy maize, tapioca or similar) with octenyl succinic anhydride under controlled alkaline conditions. This attaches octenyl succinate groups to some of the starch's glucose units, giving the normally water-loving starch molecule oil-loving "anchors" so it can sit at the boundary between oil and water and hold an emulsion together.

The modified starch is washed to remove reaction by-products, neutralised and dried to a powder. The degree of modification is limited by regulation, and the result is a plant-based, allergen-friendly emulsifier that is popular for stabilising beverage emulsions and for encapsulating flavours and oils.

Possible reactions

Generally safe.

Sources & references

  1. UK Food Standards Agency — Food additives
  2. EFSA — Food additives

Related entries

Ammonium PhosphatidesDATEMLecithinMono- & Diglycerides of Fatty AcidsMono- and DiglyceridesPGPR (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate)
VitaWhat is an educational reference only. It is not medical advice and is not authoritative. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplements or treatment. See how this content is produced in our editorial policy; report an error via the contact page.