A thickener is a substance added to a liquid or mixture to increase its viscosity or thickness, making it more difficult for the liquid to flow. Thickeners are commonly used in food processing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries to improve the texture, appearance, and stability of products. Examples of thickening agents include starches, gums, pectins, and proteins.
Modified starches can act as thickeners by increasing the viscosity of a food product. This is achieved by partially breaking down the starch granules and/or changing the molecular structure of the starch, allowing it to absorb more water and form a thicker, more viscous solution. The type of modification can affect the viscosity and other properties of the modified starch, such as shear stability, temperature tolerance, and solubility. The use of modified starches as thickeners is common in many food applications, such as soups, sauces, gravies, pie fillings, and dairy products.
Modified starches can be made to have different functional properties, such as heat and acid stability, and shear resistance, which make them suitable for various applications. Some of the common types of modified starches used as thickeners include:
- Pre-gelatinized starches – These are starches that have been cooked and then dried. They can be rehydrated easily and have a rapid thickening effect.
- Acetylated starches – These are starches that have been treated with acetyl groups, making them resistant to heat, acid, and shear.
- Cross-linked starches – These are starches that have been chemically treated to create a network of cross-links between the starch molecules, giving them increased stability and shear resistance.
- Hydroxypropylated starches – These are starches that have been treated with hydroxylpropyl groups, which make them resistant to heat, acid, and shear, and give them a longer shelf-life.
In conclusion, modified starches have become increasingly popular as thickeners in the food and industrial industries due to their functional properties, versatility, and ease of use. They are a cost-effective alternative to other thickening agents, and provide an effective solution for a wide range of applications.