E1404 Oxidized Starch – Unicorn

E1404 – Oxidized Starch is an essential technological additive known for its stability, clarity, and superior film-forming ability. In this article, Hùng Duy Starch explores in detail what E1404 is, its key characteristics and applications, and why global enterprises trust oxidized starch as an internationally standardized ingredient solution across industries.

1. What is E1404?

E1404 is a natural starch (such as corn, potato, or cassava starch) that has undergone controlled chemical modification following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) – a strong oxidizing agent – to deliberately introduce carboxyl (-COOH) groups. After oxidation, the starch can be further processed with acid, alkali, enzymes, or bleaching to adjust additional properties such as solubility, clarity, viscosity, gel formation, and stability during heating or storage.

Internationally, E1404 refers to oxidized starch under the European Union (EU) food additive system. According to the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius, it is identified as INS No. 1404. In addition to these common designations, oxidized starch is also known scientifically as Oxidized Starch or Oxidised Starch (depending on US/UK spelling).

2. Characteristic Chemical Structure of E1404

Oxidation of starch with NaOCl converts the free hydroxyl (-OH) groups on glucose molecules (mainly at C-2, C-3, and C-6 positions) into carbonyl (C=O) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups. The double-helical chains of amylopectin and amylose linkages are partially broken, making starch granules softer, more soluble, forming a thin slurry, and producing soft but stable gels with minimal degradation. The –COOH groups impart negative charges to the starch molecules in neutral or mildly alkaline conditions. Consequently, E1404 binds well with other ingredients, helping products maintain texture, thicken, and stabilize in candies, puddings, ice cream, sauces, soups, baby foods, and frozen products.

3. Key Properties of Oxidized Starch E1404

• E1404 has a distinctive bright white color, with whiteness increasing proportionally with oxidation level.
• Oxidized starch enhances product texture by increasing porosity and smoothness.
• The starch paste of E1404 has lower viscosity than native starch at the same concentration, especially when hot.
• Oxidized starch reaches the desired consistency quickly, even with short cooking times.
• After cooking, E1404 paste exhibits high clarity, improving the appearance of products such as gummy candies or clear sauces.
• It maintains smooth texture and viscosity longer, resisting thickening, drying, water separation, or gel formation during storage.
• E1404 forms thin, soft, glossy, smooth, and uniform films when dry. These films are water-soluble, low in moisture absorption, and mechanically strong.

4. Prominent Applications of E1404 Oxidized Starch

E1404 oxidized starch is a highly versatile industrial additive, widely used in both food and non-food sectors:

• Confectionery, jelly, and desserts (most common application): Used as a glossy coating for gummies or chewing gum; forms soft, clear gels for jelly, pudding, and flan; supports texture in sponge cakes; replaces gelatin in vegetarian candies.
• Sauces, yogurt, and dairy products: Thickens and stabilizes tomato sauces, salad dressings, milk, yogurt, and ice cream; prevents phase separation and maintains consistent viscosity during storage.
• Breading and processed meats: Helps create a thin, uniform, and crispy coating; acts as a binder and water retention agent in sausages, ham, and canned meats.
• Beverages, jams, and seasonings: Improves mouthfeel and viscosity; stabilizes structure in jams, seasonings, and products requiring high stability.
• Paper & packaging: Surface sizing for smooth, glossy, durable paper, enhancing printability; used as an adhesive in cartons and boxes (including frozen goods) and in paper pulp production.
• Textiles: Sizing fibers to increase strength, stiffness, and reduce abrasion during weaving.
• Pharmaceuticals: Functions as a disintegrant, filler, and binder in tablets and capsules.
• Construction: Used as a binder in gypsum boards, improving adhesion and material strength.

5. Trusted Manufacturer & Supplier of E1404 Oxidized Starch for Industrial Applications

With over 55 years of experience in Vietnam’s wheat starch industry, Hùng Duy Starch has developed international-standard production capabilities, meeting stringent technical requirements across multiple industries. Owning manufacturing facilities in the Tây Ninh raw material region and a sustainable Vietnam–Cambodia supply network, Hùng Duy ensures consistent quality, output, and proactive control of the entire E1404 oxidized starch supply chain.

Distinctive strengths of Hùng Duy Starch:

• Strong international export capability: Able to export officially to high-standard markets such as the US, EU, and Japan; knowledgeable in trade regulations, quarantine, and documentation per international standards, optimizing processes for global clients.
• Large-scale logistics & warehousing system: 50,000-ton finished goods warehouse, capable of delivering under various Incoterms (FOB/CFR/CIF/Door-to-door) and ensuring year-round stable supply without seasonal disruption.
• Stable cross-border raw material supply chain: Strategic partnerships with Tây Ninh and Cambodian raw material suppliers, leveraging procurement and import experience, ensuring abundant high-quality starch raw materials.
• Leading R&D and modified starch production capabilities: Pioneer in Vietnam’s modified wheat starch production, successfully developing over 20 international-standard products, including E1404 – a trusted solution across food and non-food industries.

If your business requires an optimal oxidized starch solution for industrial production, contact Hùng Duy Starch’s technical and export team for support.

• Domestic Hotline: (+84) 913 320 365
• Export Hotline: (+84) 909 917 141