Pregelatinized starch is a modified starch which easily takes up water and swells at room temperature. It is used in instant desserts, allowing the food to thicken when cold water is added. Other applications include cold prepared foods such as dairy products, beverages, including reduced sugar varieties, confectionery, cold mixes such as fruit and cream fillings, glazes, frostings and icing for bakery products and snacks, instant foods, soups, sauces, dressings and as a binder and texturizer in meat products. There are also industrial and pharmaceutical applications for pregelatinized starches.