A rapidly-hydratable oxidized resistant starch having a cold-water hydration at least 20% greater than the resistant starch before oxidation, makeable by oxidation with an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of periodate, chromic acid, permanganate, nitrogen dioxide, and alkali metal hypochlorites. The starch may be made by a process for preparing a rapidly-hydratable resistant starch comprising the steps of swelling starch granules in the presence of alkali and/or heat, dispersing at least one cross-linking agent, mixing said dispersion, adding an oxidizing agent to said dispersion, and agitating said dispersion.