Specialty Pregelantinized Corn Starches

CENTENNIAL, Colo.A line of specialty pregelatinized corn starches made of waxy maize, from Penford Food Ingredients, is capable of thickening cold liquids and producing freeze/thaw and retort-stable fillings. The series is made up of a native, unmodified waxy corn pregel that can be used in clean-label, natural foods. Additionally, there are modified versions that are heat, low pH and freeze-thaw stable; created to preserve food products during manufacturing, processing and final distribution. The pregel starches have a variety of recommended applications, but work especially well in sauces, gravies, soups, bakery and dairy products.

The recommended applications for the pregel series include instant soups; instant sauces, gravies, dressings and condiments (mayonnaise); dairy foods (yogurts, smoothies/shakes and puddings); baked goods (breads, biscuits, waffles and pancakes); bakery fillings (pie, cake fillings); and gluten-free foods (breads, cookies, pancakes, waffles and bagels).

The functional benefits of the pregel series, which vary based on the product, include: cold water viscosity, smooth texture, acid and heat stable, shear and freeze-thaw stable and an improvement of texture in baked goods (especially gluten-free).