Ingredion launches organic functional native starches

The native starches are designed to perform in organic products that undergo harsh processing conditions and cold-temperature stability.

Westchester, Ill.-based Ingredion Inc. said it released two new certified organic additions to its line of functional clean-label starches for the United States and Canada — Novation Prima 309 and 609. The starches are designed to perform in organic products that undergo harsh process conditions and require high freeze/thaw stability — for example, organic savory foods, alternative-dairy products and baby foods.

Ingredion said Novation Prima 309 and 609 organic native corn starches provide a viscosity and gel strength comparable to modified starches, yet qualify for a simple “organic corn starch” label while providing cold-temperature stability. They are unique, providing both process tolerance and cold-temperature stability. The starches are said to create a smooth, short texture that, once cooked, does not set to a gel or cause syneresis, even after several freeze/thaw cycles.

“Consumer demand for clean-label organic products, especially organic baby foods, continues to grow at a strong pace,” said Pat O’Brien, senior manager of marketing for the Wholesome springboard at Ingredion Inc., North America. “With a large number of corn starches on the market derived from conventional sources, having certified organic, clean-label functional corn starches available with Novation Prima 309 and 609 is a significant benefit for manufacturers and consumers.”

Ingredion said it conducted proprietary research to assess consumer preferences for organic ingredients. Consumers in the study told the company they “prefer organic corn starch” over its non-organic counterpart and perceive organic corn starch as being “good for their health.”