Ingredient · Updated

Corn Starch

Positive in 5 products Neutral in 21

Found in 26 productsSee all

What is Corn Starch?

Corn starch is a fine, powdery substance made from the endosperm of corn kernels. The kernels are processed to extract the starch, which is then dried and milled into a white powder.

It is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, providing texture and stability to sauces, soups, and desserts. Scientific evidence suggests it is generally safe for consumption, though it offers little nutritional value besides carbohydrates.

When you see corn starch on a label, it indicates that the product might use it to improve texture or stability. It is naturally gluten-free and often suitable for people with gluten intolerance.

Commonly found in: Sauces, Soups, Desserts, Baked goods, Gravies

What to watch

  • May cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

  • Provides a gluten-free alternative to traditional thickeners for those with gluten sensitivities.
FDA

Corn starch is recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Research

Research indicates corn starch is effective as a thickener but adds little nutritional value.

Vegan

Corn starch is plant-derived and suitable for vegan diets.

Gluten-Free

Corn starch is naturally gluten-free and widely used in gluten-free cooking.

Sources: Food Additives Status List

Scout's take

Corn starch is a refined carbohydrate used as a thickening agent in various foods. It is highly processed and provides no significant nutritional value beyond carbohydrates. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts.

The case against

Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates like corn starch can contribute to blood sugar spikes.

from the analysis of Silk, YOGURT ALTERNATIVE, VANILLA, VANILLA · echoed in 1 other analysis

High consumption of refined carbohydrates may contribute to blood sugar spikes.

from the analysis of Daiya CHEDDAR STYLE SHREDS

May contribute to high glycemic load if consumed in large quantities.

from the analysis of Schär SCHAR, DELI-STYLE BREAD

May contribute to blood sugar spikes if consumed in large quantities.

from the analysis of Quest NACHO CHEESE TORTILLA STYLE PROTEIN CHIPS

The case for

Provides a thickening agent that enhances texture and consistency.

from the analysis of Daiya CHEDDAR STYLE SHREDS

Provides texture and structure to gluten-free baked goods.

from the analysis of Schär SCHAR, DELI-STYLE BREAD

Improves the texture and consistency of food products.

from the analysis of Annie's Shells & Aged Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Provides texture and stability to food products.

from the analysis of Lay's Stax Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips

More from Scout's analyses

Corn starch is a refined carbohydrate used as a thickening agent in many processed foods. It provides no significant nutritional benefits beyond calories. It is highly processed and lacks fiber and nutrients.

from the analysis of Lay's Baked Barbeque Potato Crisps 1.125 Ounce Plastic Bag

Corn starch is a refined carbohydrate used as a thickener and stabilizer. It provides texture but lacks significant nutritional value. It is commonly used in processed foods for its functional properties.

from the analysis of Lay's Stax Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips

Corn starch is used as a thickening agent and to improve texture. It is a refined carbohydrate with minimal nutritional value. It is commonly used in gluten-free products to mimic the texture of gluten.

from the analysis of Schär SCHAR, DELI-STYLE BREAD

All 26 products with Corn Starch

+ 2 more products in the Scout app

Where Corn Starch shows up

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