What is Wheat Starch? [Benefits, Applications, Market Insights]
Did you know that wheat starch, a key by-product of gluten production, powers industries as diverse as food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals?
While starch can be found in various sources, such as corn, potato, and tapioca, wheat starch stands out because of its unique properties and applications. It is also an essential part of the human diet, found in many foods.
But what is wheat starch, exactly?
Wheat starch is a carbohydrate derived from wheat grains and is considered an essential by-product produced during the gluten extraction process. It is mainly used in different sectors for its thickening, stabilizing, and texturizing properties. According to the FDA, wheat starch is made from wheat grains processed to remove gluten. However, recent studies show that
entirely separating the gluten from the wheat grains is impossible, as a small amount of gluten protein will still be left in the wheat starch.
As noted by PubMed Central, wheat endosperms contain approximately 70% starch, including linear amylose and highly branched amylopectin. This makes wheat starch a valuable ingredient and is getting increasingly recognized by manufacturers every day.
Wheat starch uses vary. They can be used in the food and beverage sectors as an additive. Additionally they serve as an industrial component in different production lines such as textile, paper, and pharmaceutical, acting as a stabilizer and thickener. Wheat starch is getting increasingly recognized by manufacturers every day!
Understanding Wheat Starch Composition and Functional Benefits
Wheat starch has a unique and complex chemical composition. Therefore, it is highly advised to manufacturers to have a good understanding of its structure in order to optimize its usage.
Wheat grains have two key components:
- Amylose
- Amylopectin
These two components play a significant role in determining the texture, functionality, and behavior of the wheat starch during processing.
Amylose and Amylopectin: A Structural Difference
Based on PubMed Central, wheat breeders develop wheat grains with specific characteristics aligned with new applications and industrial uses. That’s why, nowadays, there is an emphasis on correcting the wheat starch properties by genetic engineering in order to use the full potential of the starch.
Granules, which are located in the starchy endosperm cells, consist of two polymers.
Amylose is a linear α-1,4 glucan and contains 25~30% wheat grain starch, whereas Amylopectin is a relatively larger glucan, with 70~75% wheat grain starch.
| Polymer Type | Amylose | Amylopectin |
| Structure | Linear α-1,4 glucan | Highly branched larger glucan |
| Composition in Wheat Starch | 25–30% of wheat grain starch | 70–75% of wheat grain starch |
| Granule Type | Found in both A and B granules | Predominantly found in both granules |
| Granule Size | Large A-granule: 5–40 µm | Small B-granule: <10 µm |
| Functionality | Used to make firmer gels and retrogradation | Used to provide viscosity and smooth texture |
| Phosphorus Content | Contains minimal to no phosphate | Contains phosphate monoesters, mainly bonded to amylopectin |
| Where it is Mainly Applied | Ideal for products requiring firmness and stability | Preferred for smooth, viscous, and thickened textures |
Wheat Starch Manufacturing Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Wheat starch, a valuable ingredient used in various sectors, is separated from non-starch components through a multi-step process. It starts with mixing the wheat flour with sufficient water in large wheat starch processing equipment. The water and wheat flour are well-mixed to the point the dough is even, and no lumps can be seen. The mixture is then homogenized and ready for a 3-phase separation. The next step involves separating the starch from the protein and fiber. The starch settles at the bottom, while the lighter components remain suspended in the water.
Step 1: Soaking Grains
In the first step, the already cleaned wheat grains must be soaked in water and hydrated to soften the inner part of the grain containing starch, called endosperm.
This step is necessary to ensure the starch granules swell and the bond between fiber, gluten, and starch is loosened.
Step 2: Slurry Formation
Once the wheat grains are well-hydrated and thoroughly soaked in water, it is now time to move them to wet milling machines and crush the grains to the point that it results in a slurry containing water, starch, gluten, and fiber.
Making the wheat grains into a liquid form helps to handle and extract starch more efficiently.
Step 3: Separating the Starch from Gluten And Fiber
In this step, wheat starch extraction begins; the slurry is now ready to undergo centrifugation and sieving to separate the starch from gluten, fiber, and other impurities.
Once the fiber and gluten are removed, you must make sure of the quality and purity of the starch in a multi-stage treatment process.
In the wheat starch production line, hydro cyclones and vibrating screens are employed to refine the wheat starch and improve the quality.
Step 4: Purification of Starch
To control the quality and purity of the wheat starch, it is washed a few times more and concentrated to attain the desired quality. The washing is done in order to extract and remove the extra gluten, proteins, and contaminants.
Step 5: Drying
After making sure the starch is thoroughly purified, it is now time to process the starch slurry in spray dryers and flash dryers to dry the slurry. By doing this, the slurry is transformed into \fine powdered starch, then packed in bags or containers and ready for distribution.
The wheat starch is categorized into three main categories:
- Native wheat starch
- Modified wheat starch
- Resistant wheat starch
| Wheat Starch Type | Definition | Key Features | Main Applications |
| Native Wheat Starch |
Starch extracted from the wheat grains without adding any chemicals or further modification. | – Natural thickening and stabilizing properties
– Limited heat and acid resistance |
● Food products like soups, sauces, and baked goods. |
| Modified Wheat Starch | Native starch that has been processed either chemically, physically, or enzymatically to enhance its application and use. | – Improved heat, acid, and shear resistance
– Enhanced water absorption |
● Processed foods
● Adhesives ● Pharmaceuticals |
| Resistant Wheat Starch | Processed starch that can resist digestion, acting as dietary fiber. | – Low digestibility
– Improves gut health – High fiber content |
● Dietary products
● Gluten-free foods |
| Check out the Wheat Starch Production on our website and learn all about the process, equipment & industrial solutions we can offer. |
What is Gluten-Free Wheat Starch, and How is it Made?
According to the FDA, around 3 million people in the United States alone are struggling with celiac disease. People with celiac disease must always be cautious about their food choices, as consuming foods that contain gluten can trigger their health and prevent their immune systems from producing antibodies.
As mentioned before, there is no absolute way to remove gluten and fiber from it entirely.
But what does the gluten-free sticker say on the packaging of your wheat starch? Do gluten-free products even exist?
On August 2, 2013, the FDA issued a final rule defining the term “gluten-free” label as a product that does not contain a gluten-containing grain or is derived from a gluten-containing grain but further processed well enough to remove gluten until there is just an inevitable amount of gluten (below 20 ppm gluten).
Wheat Starch Market and Industry Trends
The wheat starch market is experiencing steady growth in various sectors, such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, textile, and paper. In foods and drinks, it acts as a fat substitute, a thickener, and a glazing agent.
Global Wheat Starch Demand and Key Suppliers
Based on a study by Market Research Future, the most important key driver of the wheat starch market is the rising demand for gluten-free foods due to increased awareness among those struggling with celiac disease.
Governments are also encouraging and nudging manufacturers toward using more natural and safe ingredients in their products, resulting in wheat starch market growth.
The global wheat starch market reached USD 4.26 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of 2.5% between 2025-2033.
Yasmin Trading: Your Partner in High-Efficiency Production Solutions
As demand for premium wheat starch rises, having the right processing equipment and solutions has become more crucial than ever.
Yasmin Trading is a trusted supplier of cutting-edge production technologies, helping manufacturers optimize efficiency, enhance product quality, and reduce operational costs.
We offer a range of advanced equipment, from state-of-the-art extraction systems to customized processing lines.
We at Yasmin Trading ensure you have unconditional access to our tailored solutions to keep your business ahead in the competitive wheat starch market!
Ready to elevate your wheat starch production? Contact us today, and let’s revolutionize your production!
Future Outlook of Wheat Starch Industry
The wheat starch industry is experiencing rapid change, driven by technological advancements, evolving market demands, and sustainability goals.
Technological Advancements in Wheat Starch Refining
The traditional and widespread process of extracting wheat starch mainly relies on wet milling. Wet milling, however practical, consumes large amounts of water and wastes the energy that can be used more effectively and efficiently.
As a substitute for this traditional method, enzymatic hydrolysis and membrane filtration are emerging as superior alternatives.
- Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. The pancreas and salivary gland produce alpha-amylase to break down dietary starch into disaccharides and trisaccharides to supply the body with more energy freed from the starch. This process ensures high-purity starch separation with minimal waste, improving overall efficiency.
- AI Advances and IoT in Starch Processing: AI is like a train, leading industries more efficiently and quickly towards functionality and productivity rather than leaving them all tired and restless. Various industries, most notably in the wheat starch industry, have decided to employ AI, IoT, and automation to enhance, facilitate operations, and streamline supply chain management. Consumers’ needs and wishes are changing every day. So, there is no other way for manufacturers to witness market growth unless keeping up with the consumers’ changing needs and ensure the delivery of clean-label products with high-quality standards. The automation and use of artificial intelligence have a long way to go, and it’s just the beginning!
Conclusion
Wheat starch is a valuable by-product produced in the gluten production process, used in culinary as a substitute for traditional flour, in pharmaceuticals acting as a binder in hard capsules and swallowable tablets, and in other industrial sectors.
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