Comparing E14XX - Modified Starch vs E636 - Maltol

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Overview

E14XX - Modified Starch

Modified starch (E14XX) is a family of starches that have been treated to work better in foods. They help thicken, stabilize, and emulsify sauces, soups, dairy desserts, and many other products. Although “modified” sounds complex, these are still starches made from plants such as corn, potato, wheat, or tapioca.

E636 - Maltol

Maltol (E636) is a flavor enhancer with a warm, caramel-like aroma that makes sweet foods taste richer. It occurs naturally in browned and roasted foods, and is also made to high purity for use in many processed foods. It is added at very small amounts to round out sweetness and mask off-notes in candies, drinks, and baked goods.

Synonyms

E14XX

Modified Starch

E636

Maltol

Functions

emulsifier stabilizer thickener

flavour enhancer

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 1,020 products

Found in 56 products

Search rank & volume

#306600 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#327460 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.09

under-aware

×1.18

normal

Search volume over time

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.