Rice is one of the world’s oldest and most versatile raw materials, yet its value extends far beyond direct food consumption. For the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and technical-industrial sectors, it represents a valuable source of functional ingredients with unique properties.
Sacchetto S.p.A., an Italian company with over 70 years of experience in the production of starch derivatives, offers a complete range of rice-based derivatives obtained through controlled supply chains and highly specialized processes, available in both conventional and organic versions.
This article explores the characteristics, production methods, and applications of these ingredients, explaining why Sacchetto’s rice derivatives are considered a strategic resource across multiple industries.
How Rice Derivatives Are Produced: The Sacchetto Process
Sacchetto S.p.A.’s rice derivatives are obtained from rice kernels, primarily of the Japonica and Waxy varieties, selected for purity and quality.
The kernels undergo specific disintegration and separation processes required to isolate the various fractions of the grain. The production process includes:
- Controlled milling to release the internal fractions
- Skimming and sieving for precise component separation
- Multiple water washings, essential for achieving high purity and eliminating impurities
- Calibrated drying to ensure stability, shelf life, and homogeneity
These operations yield different categories of ingredients—starches, proteins, and rice crystals—all characterized by high purity and excellent stability.
The entire supply chain is fully controlled and traceable, in compliance with European regulations and the international certifications obtained by Sacchetto over the years.
Why Choose Rice Derivatives? Properties and Advantages
Rice derivatives are highly valued functional solutions thanks to several key characteristics:
Hypoallergenic nature
Rice is naturally well tolerated and free from the main allergenic substances, making it ideal for products intended for children, individuals with intolerances, sensitive skin, or allergen-free formulations.
High digestibility
Rice fractions are easily assimilated, which is why they are widely used in nutritional products and infant food.
Heat stability
Rice starches exhibit excellent thermal resistance and stability during cooking and industrial processing.
Neutral taste
They do not alter formulations, making them ideal for products where aroma, color, and flavor must remain unchanged.
Gluten-free
All Sacchetto’s rice derivatives are naturally gluten free and suitable for applications targeting consumers with intolerances or those seeking clean-label solutions.
Very fine particle size
Rice starch has the smallest granule size among common starches, making it an excellent thickening and stabilizing agent.
Sacchetto S.p.A.’s Range of Rice Derivatives
Sacchetto offers a complete line of products, each with specific properties for different industrial uses.
1. Standard Rice Starch (STD)
A highly versatile starch with strong thickening and stabilizing capabilities.
Main applications:
- baked goods
- sauces and creams
- general food preparations
- cosmetics (powders, creams, pastes)
2. Waxy Rice Starch (WX)
A starch with a high amylopectin content, offering excellent stability, resistance to retrogradation, high viscosity, and optimal processing performance both hot and cold.
Main applications:
- food products requiring a stable structure
- high-viscosity sauces and creams
- technical and industrial uses where consistent texture is required
3. Rice Protein 85%
A high-protein vegetable ingredient ideal for functional foods and plant-based products.
Main sectors:
- supplements
- sports nutrition
- plant-based alternatives
- infant nutrition
4. Rice Flakes
Granular rice fractions used primarily in cosmetics for natural and gentle scrubs.
Advantages:
- biodegradable
- hypoallergenic
- gentle on the skin
Perfect for skincare and baby-care lines.
5. Organic Rice Starch (EU and Non-EU)
Certified organic products compliant with European regulations—ideal for companies seeking clean-label, sustainable, and fully traceable solutions.
Recommended applications:
- food
- natural cosmetics
- nutraceuticals
- baby food
Which Industries Benefit from Rice Derivatives?
Thanks to their versatility, Sacchetto’s rice derivatives are used extensively in:
- Food: thickeners, stabilizers, texturizers, plant proteins
- Cosmetics: powders, creams, emulsions, gentle exfoliants
- Pharmaceuticals: excipients and ingredients for sensitive formulations
- Baby care: delicate and fully tolerated solutions
- Pet food and feed: high digestibility and absence of allergens
Quality and Sustainability: Sacchetto’s Added Value
Sacchetto’s commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability is demonstrated by one of the most comprehensive certification systems in the industry, including:
- IFS Food
- BIO / Organic
- Kosher
- Halal
- Vegan
- ISO 9001 – Quality
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
- ISO 45001 – Health and Safety at Work
- ISO 27001 – Information Security
- AEO – Authorized Economic Operator
Each certification is not merely a formal recognition but a concrete operational commitment.
It ensures safer processes, stricter traceability, consistent supply, and reduced risks throughout the entire supply chain.
A Supply Chain You Can Trust, Ingredients That Create Value
Through controlled processes, careful raw material selection, and a long-term vision centered on continuous quality improvement, Sacchetto S.p.A. stands as a strategic partner for companies seeking:
- consistent safety
- high technical performance
- full traceability
- organic alternatives
- long-term reliability
For food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, or technical manufacturers, Sacchetto’s rice derivatives are not merely ingredients—they are a guarantee of purity, stability, and sustainability.
👉 Download the brochure on our rice derivatives here.
👉 Contact us for further information here.
