What is modified wheat starch?
Modified wheat starch is starch separated from the wheat kernel and made resistant to process conditions by cross-linking or stabilisation. The neutral taste, soft gel and cream-white colour typical of wheat starch are preserved, while viscosity loss and water release during heat treatment, mixing and cold storage are limited.
The distinctive behaviour of wheat starch
Wheat starch contains two granule populations: large lens-shaped A granules (15–35 µm) and small spherical B granules (2–10 µm). This dual structure gives a softer, shorter-textured gel than corn starch. In pastry creams and custards, where a consistency that holds on the spoon without being firm is wanted, this behaviour is an advantage. Gelatinisation temperature is 52–64 °C.
Applications in food manufacturing
Pastry creams and custards; fruit and cream fillings; ready sauces and soups; frozen pastry and savoury pies; binder in meat products; biscuits and crackers; cake and pudding mixes. Typical usage is 2–6%.
Residual gluten and labelling
Purification removes most gluten; in well-produced grades the residue can fall below 20 ppm and in some markets be declared as "gluten-free wheat starch". This must be confirmed by supplier and lot-specific analysis. Because wheat is an allergen requiring mandatory declaration, the label wording "wheat starch" and the allergen statement must follow target market regulations.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check the E number and modification type, moisture (≤ 13%), protein/residual gluten, ash (≤ 0.4%), pH, viscosity profile, gelatinisation temperature, colour, microbiological values, heavy metals and allergen/GMO statements.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of modified wheat starch is set by the wheat and gluten markets, modification type, origin (the European Union and Türkiye are common) and order quantity. Demand for vital gluten directly affects wheat starch supply; the two are outputs of the same process. The typical minimum order is one pallet (1000 kg). PERDIST identifies the right grade once your process is defined and provides a written quotation with documents.
Frequently asked questions
Need current pricing, minimum order, origin or technical documents for this ingredient? Tell us the application and monthly quantity; we reply with a written quotation within one business day.