Ingredient
Potato starch
What is Potato starch?
Potato starch is a fine, powdery substance extracted from potatoes. It's made by crushing the potato to release starch grains, which are then washed and dried to obtain the starch powder.
Potato starch is commonly used as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, and stews because it can create a clear, glossy texture when heated. It's also used in baking to add fluffiness to gluten-free recipes. From a health perspective, potato starch is considered neutral, as it mainly provides carbohydrates without significant vitamins or minerals. It is also a common ingredient in gluten-free products.
When you see potato starch on a label, it generally indicates the product may have improved texture or a gluten-free claim. It is typically well-tolerated but should be consumed in balance with other nutrients.
Commonly found in: baked goods, soups, sauces, stews, gluten-free products
Potato starch is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for use in foods.
Research generally supports its use as a safe thickening agent, with no significant health risks identified when consumed in normal food quantities.
Potato starch is plant-based and considered suitable for vegan diets.
Sources: Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS)
Scout's take
Potato starch is a refined carbohydrate used as a thickener and binder. It is gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. However, it lacks significant nutritional benefits beyond its carbohydrate content.
The case against
Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates may impact blood sugar levels.
from the analysis of Siete Fuego PuffsThe case for
Provides a gluten-free option for thickening and binding in recipes.
from the analysis of Every Body Eat: Thins Chive And GarlicUseful for gluten-free baking and cooking as a thickening agent.
from the analysis of Every Body Eat: Thins Sea Salt ChiaMore from Scout's analyses
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
from the analysis of Baby Mum-Mum Banana Rice RusksPotato starch is a refined carbohydrate used as a thickener. It is highly processed and lacks significant nutritional value. It provides texture but does not contribute to the nutritional profile.
from the analysis of Siete Fuego PuffsPotato starch is used as a thickening agent and contributes to the crispiness, with no notable positive or negative health impact.
from the analysis of eatsmart SNACKS SEA SALT GARDEN VEGGIE CRISPSFound in 13 products
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