# Potato Starch > Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/potato-starch > Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/potato-starch.md **Safety rating:** SAFE **CAS number:** 977000-07-9 **Category:** flavoring **FDA GRAS:** no **Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0 **FDA recalls:** 0 **Last updated:** 2026-04-04 ## Summary Potato starch is a carbohydrate extracted from potatoes, widely used in food manufacturing as a thickener, stabilizer, and texturizer. It serves multiple functional roles in processed foods, from improving texture to providing nutritional value, and is derived from a common, naturally occurring food source. ## Regulatory status | Country | Status | | --- | --- | | United States | approved | | European Union | not_evaluated | | United Kingdom | approved | | Canada | approved | | Australia | approved | | Japan | approved | | South Korea | approved | | Brazil | approved | | China | approved | | India | approved | ## Detailed analysis ## What is Potato Starch? Potato starch is a polysaccharide carbohydrate extracted from potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). The extraction process involves separating starch granules from potato tubers through mechanical and washing processes, resulting in a fine white powder. Unlike modified starches, potato starch in its native form contains no chemical additives and consists primarily of amylose and amylopectin, the two glucose polymers that comprise all plant starches. ## Common Uses Potato starch is utilized across multiple food categories due to its versatile functional properties. In baked goods, it improves crumb structure and moisture retention. In soups, sauces, and gravies, it acts as a thickening agent, increasing viscosity without significantly altering flavor. The food industry also employs potato starch as a texturizer in processed meats, dairy products, and snack foods. Additionally, it functions as an anti-caking agent in powdered products and as a release agent during manufacturing. In some applications, potato starch serves as a nutrient supplement, contributing carbohydrates to formulated foods. Potato starch is also prevalent in gluten-free food manufacturing, where it helps replicate the functional properties of wheat flour. Its neutral taste makes it suitable for both sweet and savory applications. ## Safety Assessment Potato starch has an extensive history of safe use in food. As a direct derivative of potatoes—a staple food consumed worldwide for centuries—it carries an inherent safety profile supported by long-term human consumption data. The FDA has received zero adverse event reports related to potato starch and no recalls have been issued. For individuals with potato allergies, potato starch may pose a concern, though research indicates that the starch component itself rarely triggers allergic reactions, as allergenic proteins are removed during extraction. However, those with documented potato allergies should exercise caution. Potato starch contains no known allergens in most populations and is suitable for most dietary restrictions, including vegan and vegetarian diets. It is naturally gluten-free, making it valuable for celiac disease management. The digestibility of potato starch varies depending on its physical form and cooking method. Cooked potato starch is readily digestible; however, cooled cooked starch may form resistant starch, which has prebiotic properties and passes through the small intestine largely undigested. ## Regulatory Status While potato starch is not listed on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, this does not indicate a safety concern. Rather, potato starch is regulated as a food ingredient rather than a food additive, as it is derived directly from a food source without chemical modification. The FDA permits its use in food without specific restrictions under the Code of Federal Regulations. In the European Union, potato starch is approved as a food ingredient (E1412 when modified, though native potato starch requires no E-number) and is considered safe for human consumption. Codex Alimentarius, the international food standards organization, also recognizes potato starch as acceptable. ## Key Studies Scientific literature on potato starch focuses primarily on its functional properties rather than safety concerns. Research has documented its effectiveness as a thickening and stabilizing agent across various food matrices. Studies on resistant starch—a byproduct when potato starch cools—have shown potential metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and prebiotic effects supporting gut health. No peer-reviewed studies have identified inherent toxicity, carcinogenicity, or mutagenicity of native potato starch. The absence of adverse event data combined with its long history of use supports its safety profile. ## Brands using Potato Starch - Nongshim (28 products) - Marie Callender's (15 products) - Healthy Choice (11 products) - Sargento (9 products) - GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. (5 products) - Manischewitz (5 products) - Tillamook (5 products) - Applegate (4 products) - Safeway, Inc. (4 products) - Simply (4 products) - Snyder's-Lance INC. (4 products) - Amy's (3 products) - Conagra Brands, Inc (3 products) - Jimmy Dean (3 products) - Kellogg Company US (3 products) - Lakeview Farms, LLC (3 products) - SARGENTO (3 products) - Annie's (2 products) - Empire Kosher Poultry Inc. (2 products) - Mission Foods Inc (2 products) - NONGSHIM (2 products) - Nabisco Biscuit Company (2 products) - Nong Shim Co., Ltd. (2 products) - Primal Kitchen (2 products) - Serendipity 3, Inc. (2 products) - So Delicious (2 products) - Sonora Mills Foods, Inc. (2 products) - Twizzlers (2 products) - UTZ Quality Foods, LLC (2 products) - Unilever Bestfoods North America (2 products) ## Sources - FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN) - OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) - OpenFDA Food Recalls - EFSA OpenFoodTox - EU Food Additive Portal ## Citation Additive Facts. "Potato Starch — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/potato-starch. Accessed 2026-05-20.