Modified Starch; a Thickening and Stabilizing Agent That Affects the Food Structure
Modified Starch |
The modified in modified starch does not
stand for genetically modified. It simply means that the starch has been
changed or altered in some way to make it more useful in food production.
Starch is modified to enhance its properties compared to its original
precursors. Modified starch is the starch extracted from grains and vegetables
which has been treated to improve its ability to keep the texture and structure
of the food. Modified starch has virtually no nutritional value, which is why
it is so widely used in processed foods. It doesn't affect the nutritional
value of the product it is used in. It is prepared by physically, chemically,
and/or enzymatically treating native starch to change its properties.
Modified wheat starch is simply wheat
starch that has been modified for specific uses. Wheat, corn, and other cereal
starch, can be modified chemically, physically, or enzymatically. Using heat is
the most common method to modify the physical appearance of starch. Starch is
either roasted or cooked. Other methods include subjecting starch to high
pressure and temperature, for example by extrusion, crushing or grinding
starch. Modified starch, also known as starch derivatives, is a type of food
additive. It is prepared by physically, enzymatically, or chemically altering
native starch. For example, starch can be chemically & enzymatically
treated to create a product that is more resistant to water than the original.
Despite its chemically-modified status,
starch is still very nutritious. However, its nutritional value is not entirely
clear. Many processed foods use modified starch in some form. In addition to
thickening food products, they are also used to both stabilize and emulsify
sauces. Modified starches can withstand various temperatures and increase the
shelf life of foods. Many people do not realize that they are eating products
with starch. In addition to avoiding foods containing this ingredient, they
should double check their labels to see what type of starch is used. Some of
the most common forms of modified starch are corn, potato, and waxy maize. If
wheat is not listed on the label, the food is likely safe to consume.
According
to Coherent Market Insights, The global Modified
Starch Market was valued at US$ 10.24 billion in 2018, and is
expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% in terms of revenue over the forecast
period (2019 – 2027), to reach US$ 16.46 billion by 2027.
However, the presence of gluten-containing
flour may indicate cross-contact between modified starch and gluten-containing
products. Due to high-risk of gluten cross-contact, it's important to contact
the manufacturer of the products to ensure that they are free from traces of
wheat. Various techniques are available to control the release of modified
starch in emulsions. One method involves spray drying and extrusion. Another
method is chelation. The sodium ions in the solution affect the droplets
negatively. So, it is crucial to choose a process that allows you to control
the release of the modified starch. In addition to lowering the risk of
cross-contamination, modified starch has many other uses.
Modified starches are used in practically
all starch applications, such as in food products as a thickening agent,
emulsifier, or stabilizer; in pharmaceuticals as a disintegrant; or as binder
in coated paper. They are also used in several other applications. Modified
starch is nothing but cornstarch that has been further treated enzymatically
and physically, to modify its physical properties. This modified version has
better binding properties, greater thickening capacity, & greater
emulsifying and stabilizing properties.
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