What is potato starch?
Potato starch is a native (unmodified) food starch separated from the potato tuber. Its granules, at 15–100 microns, are the largest among commercial starches; it therefore gelatinises at a low temperature (58–65 °C) and delivers the highest peak viscosity of all native starches. Its gel is clear and its taste neutral, and the phosphate groups it contains give it high water-binding capacity.
How is it produced?
Potatoes are washed, rasped and their cell structure broken; the starch slurry is separated from the protein and fibre fraction by hydrocyclones and centrifuges, washed and dried at low temperature. Sulphur dioxide may be used in production for colour and microbiological quality; in food-grade product the residue limit is typically below 10 mg/kg. Production is seasonal, and supply and price vary in the months after harvest.
Comparison with corn starch
Potato starch gelatinises at a lower temperature than corn starch, gives higher and faster viscosity, a clearer gel and a more neutral taste. In return it loses viscosity faster under prolonged cooking and high shear and is less stable in acidic conditions. Modified potato or corn starches are preferred under those conditions.
Applications in food manufacturing
Water binder in meat products such as sausages, cold cuts and meatballs; structure in noodle, pasta and dumpling doughs; viscosity in instant soups and sauces; softness in bakery and cake mixes; crispness in snacks and extruded products; volume and moisture in gluten-free baking. Typical usage is 1–6%.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check starch content (≥ 98%, dry basis), moisture (≤ 20%; potato starch is naturally sold at higher moisture), ash (≤ 0.5%), SO₂ residue (≤ 10 mg/kg), pH, whiteness, viscosity profile (Brabender/RVA), granule size, microbiological values and non-GMO/gluten-free statements.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of potato starch is set by the potato crop, season, energy costs, origin (Germany, the Netherlands and Poland are common) and order quantity. For European sources freight and exchange rates are decisive. The typical minimum order is one pallet (1000 kg). PERDIST identifies the grade suited to your application, compares sources 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.