Comparing E14XX - Modified Starch vs E171 - Titanium dioxide
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 1,020 products
Found in 8,902 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
What is modified food starch?
A group of plant-based starches that have been physically, enzymatically, or chemically treated to change how they behave in foods—improving thickening, stability, freeze–thaw performance, or emulsification (E1400–E1452).
Is modified food starch gluten free?
Often yes when sourced from corn, potato, tapioca, or rice; if it’s from wheat, it can contain gluten unless specially processed and labeled gluten-free. In the US/EU, wheat-derived modified starch must be declared as “wheat,” so check the allergen statement or a gluten-free claim.
What is modified corn starch?
Modified starch made from corn that’s been treated to improve thickening, stability, and resistance to heat, acid, or shear; commonly used in sauces, soups, dressings, and desserts.
Is modified corn starch gluten free?
Yes—corn is naturally gluten-free, and modified corn starch remains gluten-free; only potential cross-contact is a concern, so rely on allergen statements or a gluten-free label if needed.
What is modified wheat starch?
Starch from wheat that has been modified to alter its functionality (e.g., thicker, more stable or freeze–thaw tolerant); it may retain some gluten unless specifically purified and labeled gluten-free. “Wheat” must appear in allergen labeling in many regions.
Is titanium dioxide safe?
As a food color (E171), the EU no longer considers it safe and banned food uses in 2022 because potential genotoxicity of nano-sized particles could not be ruled out. Regulators in the U.S., UK, and several other regions still permit it within strict limits.
Is titanium dioxide bad for you?
Typical dietary exposure shows low acute toxicity, but ongoing uncertainty about DNA damage from very small particles led the EU to ban it in foods as a precaution. Occupational inhalation of TiO2 dust—not eating it—is the scenario most closely linked to cancer risk (IARC Group 2B).
Is titanium dioxide safe in sunscreen?
Yes—titanium dioxide is widely accepted as a safe, effective mineral UV filter in sunscreens when applied to skin. The main caution is avoiding inhalation of sprays or loose powders, since respiratory exposure to fine TiO2 particles is the concern flagged by IARC.
What is titanium dioxide used for?
In foods it serves as a whitening and opacifying agent in candies, chewing gum, bakery decorations, sauces, and supplement coatings. Outside food it is used heavily in paints, plastics, paper, cosmetics, and sunscreens for its brightness and UV-scattering properties.
What does titanium dioxide do?
It scatters light to create a vivid white appearance and hides underlying colors or textures, giving foods and tablets a uniform look. In personal care products it blocks and reflects UV light, contributing to SPF protection in mineral sunscreens.