The invention relates to starch-based aqueous adhesive compositions and uses thereof. Provided is an aqueous adhesive composition comprising highly branched starch (HBS) obtained by treatment of starch or starch derivatives with a glycogen branching enzyme, and further comprising a carboxymethyl (CM) polysaccharide derivative, such as a carboxymethyl ether of starch, cellulose or a combination thereof. Also provided is a method for adhering a first substrate to a second substrate, comprising applying to at least said first or said second substrate said starch-based adhesive, and a glued or glueable product obtainable thereby.