An enzyme resistant starch type III which has a melting point or endothermic peak of at least about 140.degree. C. as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is produced in yields of at least about 25% by weight, based upon the weight of the original starch ingredient. A gelatinization stage, nucleation/propagation stage, and preferably a heat-treatment stage are used to produce reduced calorie starch-based compositions which contain the enzyme resistant starch type III. The enzyme resistant starch is produced using crystal nucleation and propagation temperatures which avoid substantial production of lower melting amylopectin crystals, lower melting amylose crystals, and lower melting amylose-lipid complexes. The nucleating temperature used is above the melting point of amylopectin crystals. The propagating temperature used is above the melting point of any amylose-lipid complexes but below the melting point of the enzyme resistant starch. Starch-based compositions comprising the high-melting RS type III of the present invention exhibit unexpectedly superior baking characteristics, such as cookie spread, golden brown color, pleasant aroma, and surface cracking which are comparable to those achieved with conventional wheat flour. The high melting point of the enzyme resistant starch, as measured by DSC, permits its use in baked good formulations without substantial loss of enzyme resistance upon baking.