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Cornstarch vs. Corn Flour: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Cornstarch vs. Corn Flour

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
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
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.
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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
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
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Source

Corn kernel endosperm
Whole corn kernel
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Texture

Fine, powdery
Finer than cornmeal, but coarser than cornstarch
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Primary Use

Thickening agent
Flour substitute in baking
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Nutritional Content

High in carbs, low in nutrients
More nutrients, including fiber and vitamins
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Culinary Tradition

Common in Asian cuisine
Staple in Mexican and Southern American cuisine
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Shumaila Saeed
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
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023

Cornstarch

A fine, white powder made from corn used for thickening.
I used cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023

Cornstarch

A gluten-free thickening agent derived from corn.
Cornstarch is a great substitute for flour in gluten-free recipes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023

Cornstarch

Starch prepared from corn grains, used industrially and as a thickener in cooking.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Cornstarch

Starch made from Indian corn, esp. a fine white flour used for puddings, etc.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Cornstarch

Starch prepared from the grains of corn; used in cooking as a thickener
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is cornstarch gluten-free?

Yes, cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Can I substitute cornstarch for flour?

Only as a thickener, not in equal amounts for baking.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

How is cornstarch used in cooking?

Primarily to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Can cornstarch be used in baking?

Yes, as a thickening agent, but not as a flour substitute.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

What is corn flour?

A fine, yellow flour made from ground whole corn kernels.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Is corn flour suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, corn flour is naturally gluten-free.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

What is cornstarch?

A fine white powder used as a thickener, made from corn.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Do I need to cook cornstarch before eating?

Yes, it should be cooked to eliminate raw taste.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Can corn flour be used as regular flour?

Yes, especially in corn-based recipes like cornbread.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Does cornstarch have a taste?

It's relatively flavorless, making it versatile.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Can I replace cornstarch with corn flour?

Not directly, as they have different properties.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

How do I store corn flour?

In a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight container.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Can cornstarch be used in cold dishes?

Yes, but it needs heat to activate its thickening properties.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Can corn flour be used to thicken sauces?

Yes, but it's more commonly used in baking.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

What's the main use of corn flour?

In baking, for items like tortillas and cornbread.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Is corn flour used in traditional Mexican cuisine?

Yes, especially in tortillas and tamales.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Does corn flour add flavor to dishes?

Yes, it imparts a mild corn flavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Can cornstarch go bad?

It can clump over time, but it doesn't spoil easily.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Is cornstarch good for frying?

Yes, it can create a crispy coating.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

Is corn flour the same as cornmeal?

No, corn flour is finer than cornmeal.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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