What Is Modified Food Starch

Typically labels will list the source from which the starch was modified as modified corn starch however unless it is derived from one of the top eight allergens in this case wheat it is not required by law to be listed this way.

What is modified food starch. It doesnt affect the nutritional value of the product it is used in. It is important to note that regardless of the type of. Typical modified starches for technical applications are cationic starches hydroxyethyl starch and carboxymethylated starches. Hydrochloric acid breaking down the starch molecule and thus reducing the viscosity.

Modified food starch in label. The most common types of modified food starch are made from ingredients like corn wheat potato and tapioca. Always take the time to read the label to ensure any food you eat is free of it in the absence of other gluten free certification. Using these chemicals modified food starch can be used for more than just thickening sauces like regular starch.

There are a total of 16 types of modified starch approved by jecfa that are listed with ins number while in europe ins1400 ins1401 ins1402 ins1403 ins1405 are not considered to be food additives so you may not find it in the. Modified food starch has virtually no nutritional value which is why it is so widely used in processed foods. It can be used as a substitute for fat in low fat foods to keep the consistency more like the full fat version. Acid treated starch ins 1401 also called thin boiling starch is prepared by treating starch or starch granules with inorganic acids eg.

Use as food additive edit as an additive for food processing food starches are typically used as thickeners and stabilizers in foods such as puddings custards soups sauces gravies pie fillings and salad dressings and to make noodles and pastas. It can be used to keep defrosted frozen foods from dripping water. Or an anti caking agent. While modified food starches can be made from a variety of foods including corn waxy maize tapioca potato or wheat in north america the most common sources are modified corn waxy maize and potato.

Modified food starch can be found in many process foods. Common types of modified food starch. Because many starches may contain gluten or have been contaminated with gluten be on the look out for this ingredient in many of the foods sold today if you are eliminating gluten from your diet. If there is anything to worry about with modified food starch its that it can be derived from wheat.

Modified food starch is a chemically altered food ingredient made from starch. It may be listed as food starch modified or its name or e number or ins number.