Cargill launches starch for easier dispersion

Cargill is expanding its starch portfolio with the introduction of a quick-dispersing, cold water swelling starch which it claims can help to improve production time as there is no need for it to be heat activated.

Cargill Texturizing Solutions (CTS) said its HiFormTM 12754, is to be launched in the Americas and applications include dry mix soups, sauces, gravies, cold processed salad dressings, fruit pie fillings and puddings.

A spokeswoman for the Cargill division claims this new product provides the same smooth texture and clean flavor properties of soup, sauces and gravies that would typically require lengthy preparation and cooking times.

Similarly she said that an easier dispersion and reduced mix time “translates to cost advantages for manufacturers as a result of improved production time”.

CTS already offers a line of cold swelling starches but this differs because its performance is said to be superior to finely granulated cold water swelling starches, whilst being comparable to agglomerated cold water swelling starches.

Dorothy Peterson, starch applications technical lead for CTS, North America, said: “HiFormTM 12754 starch is a great complement to Cargill’s existing starch portfolio, as it extends our cold water swelling starch product range and offers customers an improved toolbox of starch solutions.

“New cold water swelling starches such as this one open up new choices for texture, dispersion, viscosity development, hydration rate and process resistance.”

Starches are used in a wide range of processed foods sectors and functions include thickening, binding, stabilization of textures and replacement of milk or fat solids.

Cargill leads the international starch market, according to Leatherhead Food International, with around 20 percent of global sales and a fifth of the US market.

Its starch rivals include ADM, Corn Products International and National Starch.

CTS said its new starch is heat, shear, acid and freeze thaw stable, which translates to a stable viscosity in abusive or acidic storage conditions and a smooth texture after freezer or refrigerator storage.

It also claims it has “exceptional” creaminess and smooth texture and offers a bland flavor profile that “won’t mask flavors in food systems”.

CTS supplies texturizers and emulsifiers to the global food and beverage industry.