What Is Gluten-Free Wheat Starch: Everything You Need To Know

Schar expert gluten-free dietitian Dr. Anne has the facts.

There has been a lot of buzz within the gluten-free community about the recent FDA ruling allowing wheat starch in gluten-free products. While the word “wheat” has been historically taboo to gluten-free American consumers, Europeans have been enjoying this safe product for years. With certified gluten-free wheat starch being an ingredient in our celiac-safe gluten-free croissants coming this March, we asked Schar resident dietitian, Dr. Anne Roland Lee, to shine a light on everything you need to know about wheat starch. 

What is wheat starch?

Wheat starch is the carbohydrate component that is left after processing wheat flour to remove the protein portion.

Why is wheat starch being used?

Using certified gluten free wheat starch provides an increased texture and taste that cannot be achieved with the standard gluten free flours and starches.  The gluten free wheat starch provides some elasticity to the dough to create a lighter flaky texture.

How safe is wheat starch?

Certified gluten free wheat starch has been used in Europe for many years.  The safety has been documented in several research studies where individuals with celiac disease consuming wheat starch had comparable results to those consuming a naturally gluten free diet.  There was no adverse effect of adding certified gluten free wheat starch to the diet of individuals with celiac disease.

Who can and can¹t eat wheat starch?

Individuals with wheat allergies should not use products that contain wheat starch.  On our packaging we clearly state the product contains certified gluten free wheat starch.

Why is the U.S. only using wheat starch now?

The FDA Gluten Free labeling law that went into effect August 2014 clearly states that certified gluten free wheat starch may be used in gluten free products as long as it is under 20 ppm. While certified gluten free wheat starch has been safely used in Europe for years,  Schar waited until the US had a clear gluten free regulation to bring the product to the US.  We felt without the clear direction from the FDA it would be confusing for consumers to determine the safety of products.

Where does wheat starch come from? / How do you make wheat starch?

Wheat starch is the end product of processing wheat flour to extract only the starch from the grain.  The optimization process removes the protein through a series of steps.  The resulting starch is tested using the most accurate method to assure it is under the Codex standards for gluten free.

Is wheat starch non-GMO?

Our certified gluten free wheat starch is from Europe where all ingredients must meet the European Commission standard and be non GMO.  Now wheat starch is available from many sources, and not all may be non GMO or processed to be certified gluten free.

Does wheat starch have any nutritional value?

As wheat starch is just the refined carbohydrate portion of wheat – there is little nutritional value.  However, certified wheat starch is added to enhance the taste and texture of only a small group of products.  Schar is using other grains, such as millet, quinoa, buckwheat and sorghum to add nutritional value in a much broader range of products.

Why is wheat starch a big deal?

Gluten free wheat starch has been used safely for many years in European gluten free products.  It is big news for the US as we are introducing our gluten free croissants.  Using the CODEX certified gluten free wheat starch allows us to create gluten free products that are much more like their wheat based counterparts – the light texture and flakiness of the croissants for example.

What else has wheat starch in it?

Certified gluten free wheat starch is used in several products in Europe.  For the US Schar products it is only in the croissants.

Will Schar be using wheat starch in other products?

Our certified gluten free wheat starch is only used in our two croissants.  We used the certified wheat starch to achieve the flaky texture and lightness similar to regular croissants.

Can you buy wheat starch?

Yes you can purchase wheat starch from many sources.  But it is important to make sure that the wheat starch is certified gluten free and meets CODEX standards of gluten free.

Is wheat starch bad for you?

Rather than think of food as bad or good I think it is important to think of food in terms of safety and quality. Certified gluten free wheat starch is safe for the gluten intolerant.  It provides an improved texture and taste to many gluten free products.  However, it is always important to remember that the wheat starch must meet certified Codex standards.  It is also important to remember that moderation is the key in all of life.

Where else is wheat starch used?

Certified gluten free wheat starch is used in several products in Europe.  For the US Schar products it is only in the croissants.

Dr. Anne Roland Lee MSEd, RD, LD is the director of nutritional services for Dr Schar USA, Inc.