Let's start with the basics. In most cases, we all know what starch is. It is found in potatoes, rice, cassava, and maize, as well as other vegetables and grains. So what happens when starch is modified? Why bother to modify it in the first place? And most importantly, are the modifications harmful?
Modified food starch is a complex carbohydrate in which one or more of its components are physically, chemically, or enzymatically (using enzymes) altered. Altering the composition of an edible starch gives it a more desirable texture, helps it to hold up well in hot and acidic environments, and helps it to dissolve more quickly.
Modified Starch
Why is modified starch important?
Modified starch is maize starch that has undergone further enzymatic and physical treatment to alter its physical properties. This modified version has greater stabilization and emulsification properties, greater thickening capacity, better binding properties, etc. The modified maize starch does not impart any flavor to the food and is added purely to improve texture and consistency. In addition to its use in the food industry, modified starch is also used in paper, pharmaceuticals, and clothing.
Is modified food starch safe?
The accepted answer is yes. Modified food starch is widely used in processed foods. It does not affect the nutritional value of the products it is used in.
What is modified starch?
The food industry modified starch used in food mainly starts from the function, diversity, and convenience, and focuses on the development of corn starch series products, potato starch, modified starch, and derivatives. The modified starch and pregelatinized starch production line is a new application of twin-screw extruding technology.
Stabilizers
Modified maize starch is used as a stabilizer to thicken a variety of food products. It thickens foods by preventing specific reactions that would reduce the viscosity of the product. It is also added to frozen foods in order to achieve the right creamy consistency when heated. The modified starch added to frozen foods keeps them stable while they remain thawed.
Modified Starch And Pregelatinized Starch Production Line
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers help to mix two immiscible liquids. For example, in salad dressings, corn starch stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions when oil is added.
Thickening agents
In fat-free products, modified corn starch is added as a thickener to give a lovely creamy texture, which is not found in low-fat products because there is no fat. It is also used in instant desserts where, adding cold milk or water, it imparts the desired thickness to the pudding.
Anti-caking agent
It helps to keep food flowing freely. For example, modified corn starch is added to gravy granules to prevent them from clumping.
Modified Starch
Binders
In low-fat meat products, modified maize starch is added due to its binding properties. Due to its binding action, it is also used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Retaining moisture
Modified maize starch is an inexpensive way of keeping food moist. The phosphates in modified maize starch absorb water and help to retain moisture in the food.
Prevents melting
It prevents ice cream and other frozen foods from melting. In addition, modified corn starch prevents ready-to-eat frozen foods from becoming soggy in the microwave. They maintain a refreshing texture.
As a professional manufacturer of puffed food equipment, SENA has been committed to the development and production of extruded and puffed food technology and equipment in recent years. According to customers' requirements, the company can provide customers with customized solutions in line with the actual production, and realize the turnkey project of puffed food production equipment. Learn more about the modified starch and pregelatinized starch production line, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.
