Cornstarch vs. Corn Flour: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Cornstarch is a fine, white powder made from the endosperm of corn, used as a thickener; corn flour is a finer ground cornmeal, used in baking.
Key Differences
Cornstarch is derived from the endosperm of the corn kernel, resulting in a fine, powdery texture, whereas corn flour is made by finely grinding whole corn kernels, giving it a slightly coarser texture and more corn flavor. This texture difference influences their culinary uses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In terms of usage, cornstarch is primarily used as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, and soups due to its high starch content, while corn flour is used as a flour substitute in baking, lending a distinct corn flavor and yellow color to baked goods.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Nutritional content varies: cornstarch is almost pure starch, making it high in carbohydrates and calories but low in protein and nutrients; corn flour contains the whole kernel, so it retains more nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Cornstarch is typically used in smaller quantities because of its high thickening power, whereas corn flour can be used in larger amounts as a primary ingredient in recipes like cornbread, tortillas, and muffins.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
The culinary traditions also differ: cornstarch is often associated with Asian cuisine for stir-fries and sauces, while corn flour is a staple in Mexican and Southern American cooking, used in dishes like tortillas and cornbread.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Nutritional Content
High in carbs, low in nutrients
More nutrients, including fiber and vitamins
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Dec 10, 2023
Culinary Tradition
Common in Asian cuisine
Staple in Mexican and Southern American cuisine
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Dec 10, 2023
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Cornstarch and Corn Flour Definitions
Cornstarch
A cooking staple for creating clear, glossy sauces.
To make the stir-fry sauce glossy, I added cornstarch.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Corn Flour
A fine, yellow flour made from ground corn.
I used corn flour to make homemade cornbread.
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Dec 04, 2023
Cornstarch
A fine, white powder made from corn used for thickening.
I used cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
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Dec 04, 2023
Corn Flour
A flour used for its corn flavor and yellow color in recipes.
Corn flour gives a unique flavor to these muffins.
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Dec 04, 2023
Cornstarch
A starch extracted from corn, used in cooking.
Cornstarch is ideal for creating a smooth texture in soups.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Corn Flour
A gluten-free flour alternative derived from corn.
Corn flour is perfect for gluten-free baking.
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Dec 04, 2023
Cornstarch
A starch used for its thickening properties in food.
Cornstarch was added to the pudding for its thick consistency.
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Dec 04, 2023
Corn Flour
A staple in Mexican cuisine for making tortillas.
Corn flour is essential for authentic homemade tortillas.
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Dec 04, 2023
Cornstarch
A gluten-free thickening agent derived from corn.
Cornstarch is a great substitute for flour in gluten-free recipes.
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Dec 04, 2023
Corn Flour
A versatile flour used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Corn flour adds a subtle corn taste to these pancakes.
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Dec 04, 2023
Cornstarch
Starch prepared from corn grains, used industrially and as a thickener in cooking.
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Dec 01, 2023
Cornstarch
A very fine starch powder derived from corn (maize) used in cooking as a thickener, to keep things from sticking, or as an anti-caking agent.
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Dec 01, 2023
Cornstarch
Starch made from Indian corn, esp. a fine white flour used for puddings, etc.
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Dec 01, 2023
Cornstarch
Starch prepared from the grains of corn; used in cooking as a thickener
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Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can I substitute cornstarch for flour?
Only as a thickener, not in equal amounts for baking.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
How is cornstarch used in cooking?
Primarily to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Can cornstarch be used in baking?
Yes, as a thickening agent, but not as a flour substitute.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
What is corn flour?
A fine, yellow flour made from ground whole corn kernels.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Is corn flour suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, corn flour is naturally gluten-free.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
What is cornstarch?
A fine white powder used as a thickener, made from corn.
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Dec 10, 2023
Do I need to cook cornstarch before eating?
Yes, it should be cooked to eliminate raw taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Can corn flour be used as regular flour?
Yes, especially in corn-based recipes like cornbread.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Does cornstarch have a taste?
It's relatively flavorless, making it versatile.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Can I replace cornstarch with corn flour?
Not directly, as they have different properties.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
How do I store corn flour?
In a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight container.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Can cornstarch be used in cold dishes?
Yes, but it needs heat to activate its thickening properties.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Can corn flour be used to thicken sauces?
Yes, but it's more commonly used in baking.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
What's the main use of corn flour?
In baking, for items like tortillas and cornbread.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Is corn flour used in traditional Mexican cuisine?
Yes, especially in tortillas and tamales.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Can cornstarch go bad?
It can clump over time, but it doesn't spoil easily.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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