High-amylose wheat technology for improved pasta texture in shelf-stable products
Innovative use of high-amylose wheat to enhance pasta texture in shelf-stable products by minimizing amylose leaching and improving protein network strength. This approach offers cost-effective solutions for the food industry to achieve better texture retention.
Overview
This innovative technology leverages high-amylose wheat to significantly improve the texture of shelf-stable pasta products. By increasing the amylose content to over 50%, the technology minimizes amylose leaching during processing, resulting in a firmer pasta texture. This approach is particularly beneficial for companies like Heinz, which seek to enhance product quality without substantial capital investment.
Technical specifications
Key features include:
- Utilization of high-amylose wheat (50-60% amylose) to reduce starch swelling and create a stronger protein network.
- Extrusion at low shear rates to further enhance texture retention.
- Potential integration with existing production processes without significant changes.
- Possibility of strengthening gluten networks through added gluten or reactive extrusion for additional texture improvements.
Technology readiness level
This technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting and is poised for further development and scaling. Future work involves collaboration with industry partners, such as Heinz, to integrate the technology into existing production lines.
About Monash University, Melbourne
Monash University is a comprehensive public research university and one of Australia’s largest, known for scale, interdisciplinarity, and an applied orientation. Its Melbourne-based technology precinct brings together university laboratories, pilot-scale and prototyping suites, and company R&D groups alongside government research organizations to enable co-development and rapid iteration. Integration with a major hospital network supports clinical trials and translation, while structured industry placements and doctoral partnerships create a robust talent pipeline for corporate R&D. Research is backed by competitive funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and state and federal programs that incentivize industry collaboration. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, with pathways to incubation and investment within the precinct.
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