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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Tapioca is often used as a thickener in puddings, pies, and sauces due to …
What it is
Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root, a tropical root vegetable native to South America. The cassava root is washed, peeled, and then the starch is separated from the pulp. The resulting starch is then dried and processed into various forms, such as pearls, flour, or flakes.
Why it's used
Tapioca is often used as a thickener in puddings, pies, and sauces due to its neutral flavor and ability to create a glossy texture. It is also used in baking to improve crispness and in gluten-free products as a substitute for wheat flour.
Health notes
Tapioca is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is primarily a source of carbohydrates and is low in protein and fat. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated tapioca starch, and it is widely used globally. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects.
Allergen info
Tapioca is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It is also naturally gluten-free.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.