Expandex: Modified Tapioca Starch for Better Gluten-free Baked Goods (Updated 2022)

Expandex®, a gluten-free modified* tapioca starch made by Corn Products (though not a corn based product) is promoted as enabling gluten-free bakers to create a gluten-like baked good, similar to using gluten flours. It is promoted as improving the rise, taste, texture, appearance and extends shelf life. In addition, Expandex creates a more moist and better crumb texture to baked goods and improves the crispy texture of deep-fried goods, along with bringing out more of the flavors of other ingredients. Learn where to purchase it, how to use it and more.

UPDATE: I have used Expandex now. See the Expandex Gluten Free Recipes category.

UPDATE: I have tried Expandex. In most cases it improves the baked product; however, in gluten free bread recipes, I have been able to achieve the same texture without the use of Expandex. When used in dough, it creates the perfect elasticity. Check out this recipe for Gluten Free Teff Tortillas.

My main question is how is it processed? Modified food starches are processed either by the use of enzymes or chemicals. Since Expandex is a proprietary product, meaning they keep it a secret so that others do not duplicate their idea, we do not have the answer to this question.

UPDATE: The former Expandex website had linked to the various processes allowed for manufacturing modified starches by the FDA, but that manufacturer no longer exists. However, I do link below to the FDA’s article with an important quote. The former manufacturer also stated that it was non-GMO. What I take from this, is that though it is non-GMO, it may contain all sorts of chemicals, as many other modified starches.

Is Expandex Safe?

When the first brand of Expandex that was available to the general by Corn Products International, they stated that Expandex is corn-free, made in a separate facility in order to prevent cross-contamination from allergens such as corn, etc. It was also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, non-GMO, and does not contain aspartame. That brand is no longer available.

What the FDA States

Food starch-modified as described in this section may be safely used in food. The quantity of any substance employed to effect such modification shall not exceed the amount reasonably required to accomplish the intended physical or technical effect, nor exceed any limitation prescribed. To insure safe use of the food starch-modified, the label of the food additive container shall bear the name of the additive “food starch-modified” in addition to other information required by the Act. Food starch may be modified by treatment prescribed as follows:

(a) Food starch may be acid-modified by treatment with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid or both.

(b) Food starch may be bleached by treatment with one of the following… (Reference)

What we do not know for certain is if it is chemical free or not.

If you are already eating many pre-prepared gluten-free foods you are probably already consuming modified food starches. My plan is to use it only for special occasions mainly when I cannot achieve close to desired results in a gluten free baked good. If you bake with most Nestle’s chocolate morsels you are already getting chemicals. UPDATE: Nestle’s now has natural dark chocolate morsels.

This is definitely an improvement on corn-based modified food starch, as corn is something I am trying to eliminate from my diet, or at least consume in moderation. Corn is often GMO (genetically modified organism), also known as GE (genetically engineered). However, you can purchase non-GMO cornstarch such as Bob’s Red Mill brand.

Where to Buy

You will now find Expandex that is tested to be under 5 parts per million (ppm) gluten and is manufactured and packaged in a gluten free facility on Amazon. It is available in 15 oz. and 2.5 lb. packages.

How to Use Expandex

Article coming soon.

7/14/2014 update:

See Gluten Free Expandex Recipes.

*Modified tapioca starch is not the same as tapioca starch, tapioca flour, or tapioca powder.  One would have to modify it, as described above.

17 Replies to “Expandex: Modified Tapioca Starch for Better Gluten-free Baked Goods (Updated 2022)”

  1. [IN REPLY TO CARYN’S COMMENT]

    Great idea. We don’t microwave food, but we do have a microwave for heating rice socks. This is definitely worth trying.

  2. I wanted to know if there was a substitute for Expandex Modified Tapioca Starch. I wanted to try a recipe for GF Sopapillas but 1/4 cup Expandex is used in the recipe. Thank you for your help.

  3. I have just received a shipment of Ultratex, which is the only equivalent to Expandex that we can get in the UK, together with whey protein isolate, and am looking forward to baking experiments with the combination of both that is supposed to replicate the action of gluten. It’s going to be very interesting – especially as our GF flours and bread substitutes do not seem to be nearly as good as the ones you have in the US. I don’t eat a lot of bread and cake but sometimes it would be nice to eat “just like everyone else”.

    1. Jacqui,

      The combination of Ultratex and whey protein should work wonderful. Dried non-fat milk works in place of whey protein, when it’s not available. High protein flours also work wonderful in place of all of the above. Oat flour works best is the highest of the non-nut flours.

      As far as good bread available in the U.K., don’t you have Schar’s available? Their new baguettes are incredible!

      Enjoy!
      Carla

      1. Jacqui, I have just received my ultratex (U) and would be interested to know how you got on. Lost a link about U3 and U8, mine just says it’s U so some experimenting required here too. Did you find the substituting for the Expandex complicated?
        S

  4. Gluten Free You and Me now sells Expandex online through Amazon.com prime program. We sell it in 15 oz, 2.5 lb, and 5 lb sizes. The first shipments of the 2.5 lb and 5 lb sizes arrived 6.26.14. The second shipments will arrive 7.10.14 and will be continually in stock after 7.10.14. Happy Baking!

    1. Email correspondence to and from Judee of Gluten Free You and Me regarding the Expandex her company repackages in their gluten free facility and sells it on Amazon:

      Q1. Do you or a third party test your Expandex for gluten content? If so, which test do you use? What are the test results? T
      A. The testing is completed by trained employees. Bia Diagnostics, as an outside testing agency, did the tests. All tested <5ppm.

      Q2. Is the Expandex packaged individually in a gluten-free facility; or is it packaged in a separate room which is in a gluten-containing facility? A. Our facility is a dedicated gluten free facility. It is repackaged in our facility. Further, the Expandex is manufactured in a gluten free facility.

      Q3. If there is anything else you think may help those highly intolerant to gluten be rest assured your product is safe for them to consume, please pass it along. I assume you are aware of the FDA’s gluten-free labeling rules going into effect on August 5, 2014.
      A. I am a diagnosed celiac since 1993. In approx. 1997, I worked on one of the first gluten free manufacturer listings published by CSA. I was also the head of a support group in San Diego, CA for 3 years. I too am very sensitive and believe in dedicated gluten free facilities. I am fully aware of the FDA's gluten -free labeling rules.

  5. I have recently had some quite severe intolerance reactions to Expandex including prolonged nausea, swollen liver and uncomfortable feeling of fullness (days after eating it). Some web searches revealed that I am certainly not alone in this – including among people with gluten allergy.

  6. I live in Australia, and was wondering if this product is exported to us here? I tried to send an email to the company, but because it doesn’t recognize that I’m not in the US, it keeps telling me I have an error and to go back and try and fill out the “form” to send them an email. So I’m not able to ask them if they have this product available in Australia. Would you (or anyone else) know if they do?

    Thanks for your help.
    Terri.

    1. Yep most store-bought soups, GF or not are full of sodium. Right now my favtrioe soup that I make is butternut squash. I use butternut squash and a little bit of carrots, garlic and onions. Optional ingredients include pepper and/or earth balance (or other butter substitute to make it creamy). I’m milk-free (at least for this first year of diagnosis) so all my soups are all milk-free too. I store them in the fridge in mason jars. I’d like to take your kudos, but it is really all the vitamixer doing the work! I just make-up my recipes based on what I have in the fridge/freezer!

  7. What exactly do you mean by this statement?

    BTW, I do not work for Nestle….. I’m just a consumer and gluten free baker trying to use more whole foods and less artificial stuff.

    “If you bake with Nestle’s chocolate morsels you are already getting chemical.”

    1. Hi KE,

      Nestle’s is known for adding lots of chemicals to their regular morsels. I learned about this when I interviewed the Executive Director of the Feingold Association. When you have a lot of food allergies, like me, it’s best to avoid anything artificial: coloring, flavoring, preservatives. Sometimes I have allergic reactions to food and I cannot figure out what triggered it. After the ED stated that “Nestle’s was the worse offender” in regards to chocolate chips containing chemicals, I noticed that was the trigger when eating ice cream containing them. Now they have the Natural Dark Chocolate Mosels and I use them instead. Though I haven’t figured out all of my food allergies, which seem to be growing in number (heard that may be a adrenal issue), I believe I am not reacting to the natural ones. I believe the ingredient in most chocolates that the ED of the Feigngold Association was referring to was artificial vanillin. She mentioned that Godiva contains it, as well. I read that artificial vanillin can bring on a migraine.

      It’s great that you’re watching out for you health. Keep up the great work!

      Carla

  8. We have used it but don’t have any on hand at the moment. In my experience it did make a better product. My kids are chemically sensitive and so I like to use organic as much as possible in my kitchen. If it isn’t organic at least it should be chemical free. I often wrap gf baked goods in a damp paper towel or baker’s towel and microwave it for just a few seconds to replace moisture. If you don’t like to use a micro with your food you can just micro the wet towel and then wrap your day old GF bread in it and leave it on the counter about 10 minutes. It works great to replace moisture and make that crumbly bread taste good again.

    1. Hi Caryn,

      What a wonderful suggestion! I was recently thinking what to do besides steaming the bread slices in a colander or strainer. Thank you so much for sharing this idea with us all!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.