The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of starch particles in a two-phase system, which method comprises at least the following steps: a) a preparation of a first phase comprising a dispersion of starch in water; b) preparation of a dispersion or emulsion of the first phase in a second liquid phase, with the proviso that the second phase is not water; c) cross-linking of the starch present in the first phase; d) separating the starch particles thus formed. According to a first aspect of the invention the second phase consists of a hydrophobic liquid and step b) consists in forming an oil-in-water emulsion, which is then inverted to a water-in-oil emulsion. According to a second aspect of the invention, the second phase consists of a water-miscible non-solvent for starch. Starch particles of very small particles size can be produced in a controlled manner by means of this method.