The present invention relates to starch compositions which contain starch and additives. The starch has a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000. The additives can be plasticizers or diluents. The composition containing the starch and the additive is formed by means of passing the composition through a die to produce fibers, foams or films. These compositions have an extensional viscosity in the range from about 50 to about 20,000 pascal seconds. The starch compositions preferably contain a polymer that is substantially compatible with starch and has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 500,000.