Tag: Starch in milk

According to a 2024 report from India's FSSAI, a staggering number of food samples, including milk, were found to be non-conforming to safety standards, highlighting widespread adulteration issues. Unscrupulous sellers often add starch to milk, a deceptive tactic primarily driven by financial gain.

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), adulteration of milk with starch is a common practice to artificially increase its thickness and solids-not-fat content. However, this adulteration compromises nutritional value and poses health risks. Fortunately, you can easily test the presence of starch in milk yourself using a simple iodine test.

Globally, dairy milk is consumed by billions of people and its primary carbohydrate is not starch. Naturally produced milk is not a starchy drink, as its carbohydrates are composed of a simple sugar called lactose. Any presence of starch would indicate a product has been adulterated or contains additives.

According to food scientists and nutrition experts, cow's milk does not naturally contain any starch. The only carbohydrate found naturally in milk is lactose, also known as milk sugar. This critical distinction explains why flavored milks might contain starch additives and why plain milk does not naturally test positive for starch.