What Is Modified Food Starch, and Why Should You Avoid It?

If you've ever taken a closer look at the ingredients in many frozen foods, you've likely encountered the term "modified food starch." At first glance, it might seem harmless — after all, it has the word “food” in it. But when it comes to clean eating and prioritizing your health, modified food starch is one ingredient you might want to leave off your plate.

What Is Modified Food Starch?

Modified food starch is derived from natural sources like corn, wheat, potatoes, or tapioca. However, it undergoes chemical, physical, or enzymatic treatments to change its structure. These modifications are designed to improve its functionality in processed foods. For example, modified food starch can:

• Act as a thickener or stabilizer.

• Enhance texture or consistency.

• Improve shelf life.

Why Is It in Frozen Foods?

Modified food starch is a favorite among food manufacturers because it’s cheap, versatile, and effective. It’s commonly used in:

• Sauces and gravies in frozen meals.

• Breaded foods, like chicken nuggets or fish sticks, to maintain crispness.

• Frozen desserts to prevent crystallization and improve creaminess.

Why Should You Avoid Modified Food Starch?

While modified food starch isn’t considered outright harmful in small amounts, there are several reasons why it’s worth avoiding:

1. Highly Processed

   • The "modification" process often involves chemical treatments that strip away any natural nutrients. What’s left is a highly processed product with no nutritional value.

2. Hidden Gluten

   • If derived from wheat, modified food starch can contain gluten, making it a potential issue for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Even "gluten-free" versions can be heavily processed.

3. Blood Sugar Spikes

   • Modified food starch is a refined carbohydrate, meaning it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This is especially concerning for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their weight.

4. Inflammation

   • Processed additives like modified food starch may contribute to inflammation in the body, which is linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and obesity.

5. Hiding in Plain Sight

   • Modified food starch often flies under the radar because it doesn’t sound like an artificial ingredient. However, its presence indicates that a food is likely highly processed.

Clean Alternatives

At Permissibles, we believe in using ingredients you can pronounce and avoiding unnecessary additives like modified food starch. Instead, we use natural thickeners and stabilizers, such as:

• Arrowroot powder: A natural, gluten-free thickener.

• Tapioca starch: Derived from cassava, it’s minimally processed and effective.

• Xanthan gum: A small but mighty ingredient that thickens without chemicals.

Final Thoughts

While modified food starch might seem like a minor ingredient, it’s a red flag that a product has been overly processed. By choosing foods that skip the unnecessary additives, you’re not just nourishing your body — you’re making a stand for clean, simple, and honest eating.

At Permissibles, we’re proud to leave out ingredients like modified food starch, so you can enjoy meals made with real food. Because when it comes to eating well, every ingredient matters.