These innovative potato starches are reported to enhance the meltability and texture of cheese. Severine Bensa, the senior marketing manager for Ingredion in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, stated in a press release that these products could be particularly beneficial for manufacturers in emerging markets seeking to substitute costly protein in processed and analog cheeses without compromising the consumer experience. The company highlights that the neutral flavor and high water retention capacity of potato starch can also enhance the appearance and mouthfeel of processed cheese.
Incorporating these starches into vegan or vegetarian cheese products could be a valuable strategy, given that these types of cheeses, although popular, often lag behind dairy-based cheeses in terms of protein and calcium content. In addition to potato starch, tapioca flour and arrowroot starch have also been utilized to improve the melting properties and overall performance of vegan and vegetarian cheese. For instance, Daiya, a producer of vegan cheese, incorporates tapioca flour in its mozzarella shreds and medium cheddar-style block cheese, while using both potato starch and tapioca starch in its American-style cheese slices.
Ingredion indicated that its new potato starches were developed following the company’s partnership last year with Lyckeby, a Swedish producer of potato-based starch and fiber products. Depending on the variety of potato used, this ingredient may be labeled as “modified starch” on product packaging.
Consumers who prefer vegan and vegetarian cheeses might prioritize transparency and clean labels in their purchasing decisions. Therefore, cheese makers targeting this market segment may want to limit their ingredient lists to natural, simple, and easily understandable items. It remains uncertain whether potato starch fulfills these criteria; however, its potential to enhance vegan cheese—especially as other plant-based categories like milk, ice cream, and yogurt flourish—could outweigh any consumer concerns regarding additives. This consideration could be particularly relevant for health-focused products like the healing CCM tablet, which emphasizes holistic ingredient transparency and effectiveness.