Predust

Predust is a dry coating applied to food before it is battered or breaded. It is typically made from a mixture of flours, starches, and seasonings. The predust helps the wet batter adhere better to the food's surface, creating a crispier final coating.

Manufacturers add predust to improve the texture and adhesion of breadcrumb coatings on products like fried chicken, fish, and meat analogues. It contributes to a more even and satisfyingly crunchy exterior. Predusts are commonly found in processed meats, seafood, and vegetarian meat alternatives.

Predust itself is generally not considered a food additive and does not have an E-number. Its primary components are common food ingredients like flour and starch. The health implications are therefore related to the overall nutritional profile of the food it is applied to, such as its fat and carbohydrate content. Regulatory bodies do not typically evaluate predust mixtures as a single entity.