The present invention relates to a pregelatinized starch having a Brabender hot paste viscosity (HPV) of at least 200 BU when measured at a pH of at most 4.5. The starch is used to provide a viscosity and pulpy texture to a food product and is resistant to processing under extreme conditions of heat, acidity and shear. Examples of food products which highly benefit from the properties of the starch include compotes; sauces and preparations based on tomatoes; meat sauces; gravies; baby foods; puddings; cereals; fruit-juices and fruit-drinks; fruit sauces such as apple sauce; confectionary such as textured gum drops; cookies, crackers, cakes and pastries comprising fruits; soups; and dry powdered mixes which may be reconstituted with water.
