Cassava starch (Manihot esculenta)

Tapioca starch is a refined starch extracted from the tuberous roots of cassava (Manihot esculenta), a plant native to South America that is now cultivated across many tropical and subtropical regions. It takes the form of a very fine white powder, nearly odourless, obtained by grinding, washing and drying the roots. From a nutritional standpoint, tapioca starch is composed almost entirely of complex carbohydrates and contains neither gluten nor major allergenic proteins, making it a particularly well-tolerated ingredient for people sensitive to gluten. Its high digestibility contributes to a rapid energy supply and it is known for its good digestive tolerance. In the field of food supplements, tapioca starch is primarily used as an excipient: it acts as a bulking agent, binder or carrier in the manufacture of capsules and tablets. It helps ensure the proper formulation of products while remaining flavour-neutral and well accepted by the body.