Modified Food Starch

What is it?
Modified food starch is an additive commonly used to thicken or alter the texture of processed foods, as well as to enhance their digestibility and shelf-life. It is chemically obtained by breaking down the natural starches found in corn, wheat, potatoes, rice, or tapioca into a product better suited to the manufacturer's needs.

Where is it found at the store?
This type of starch is most often added to canned sauces, pudding mixes, premade pie fillings, and jarred gravies (yuck!). It also appears on the ingredient list of cereals, yogurt, packaged macaroni and cheese, canned soups, frozen dinners, jarred baby food (yikes!), and chewy candies.

Who is at risk?
Modified food starch is generally considered safe, but you should avoid foods that contain this starch if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity. Unless the product is lspecifically labeled "gluten free," the starch may have come from wheat or another grain that contains gluten.