Effect of different starches on rheological and microstructural properties of (I) model processed cheese

A range of processed cheese spread samples containing starch were prepared on a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA). The starches used were waxy cornstarch, high-amylose cornstarch, rice starch, potato starch, wheat starch and acid-converted starch. Incorporation of the starches at different levels produced marked differences in the rheological, microstructural and functional properties of the processed cheese spreads. Rheological attributes such as complex modulus and viscosity increased; the extent of increase depended on the starch type and the starch level. Starch incorporation at reduced protein levels demonstrated the possibility of maintaining satisfactory rheological properties at lower ingredient cost.