Heat-moisture treatment (HMT) is one of the most popular approaches in the field of starch modification. HMT, referred as environmental-friendly approach, is a physical modification to produce modified starch products which do not remain any chemical residues. HMT can modify starch, including modality, crystalline, thermal properties and starch gel properties. HMT increases the amount of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch. The impact of HMT on starch physiochemical properties and nutritional properties was summarized, as well as the application and development in food industry.