Comparing E14XX - Modified Starch vs E285 - Sodium tetraborate (borax)

Synonyms
E14XX
Modified Starch
E285
Sodium tetraborate (borax)
borax
sodium borate
sodium tetraborate
disodium tetraborate
Products

Found in 1,020 products

Found in 13 products

Search rank & volume
#306600 / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#1599.4K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.09
under-aware

×807.09
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 6 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  1. How to make slime without borax?

    Mix 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water (add a drop of food coloring) to make a simple borax-free “oobleck”; adjust ratios to change firmness. Other borate-free options include gelatin- or psyllium-fiber-based slimes.

  2. Is borax toxic?

    Yes—borax (sodium tetraborate) can irritate skin/eyes and is harmful if swallowed; chronic high exposure to boron compounds is linked to reproductive toxicity. It’s not permitted as a food additive in the EU or US, so keep it away from food and children.

  3. What is borax used for?

    It’s used in detergents/cleaners, laboratory buffers, flame retardants, metal fluxes, and as an insecticide; in food it was historically used as a preservative/firming agent but this use is largely banned.

  4. Does borax kill ants?

    Yes—when mixed into a sugar or protein bait, small amounts of borax are carried back to the colony and kill ants over time; place baits carefully and keep them away from children and pets.

  5. How to make slime with borax?

    Dissolve 1 teaspoon borax in 1 cup warm water; in another bowl mix 4 oz white glue with 1/2 cup water and coloring, then slowly add the borax solution while stirring until it gels and knead. Do not ingest, avoid contact with eyes, and wash hands after use (gloves if sensitive).