Super source
Energy
358 kcal · 18% DV target
A fine, chalky white powder extracted from the endosperm of maize, cornstarch acts as a powerful thickening agent that creates translucent, glossy finishes in sauces while serving as a dense source of pure energy.
Cornstarch is a refined carbohydrate composed almost entirely of starch, providing a concentrated source of energy with minimal minerals or vitamins .1011
Retrograded cornstarch (starch that has been cooked and then cooled, creating a form of resistant starch) may lead to a lower peak in postprandial blood glucose (blood sugar levels after eating) and reduced insulin response compared to fully digestible cornstarch .8
High-amylose cornstarch, which is naturally high in resistant starch (a type of fiber that escapes digestion in the small intestine), has been shown in a meta-analysis of small trials to slightly reduce TNF-alpha (a marker of inflammation), though it did not significantly affect other inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein .12
Early research into the relationship between general starch consumption and obesity remains less clear than other dietary patterns, as the health impact often depends on the specific type of starch and the overall dietary context .4
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
358 kcal · 18% DV target
88.2 g · 32% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Must be kept strictly dry to prevent clumping or spoilage
While corn is a high-yield crop, the intensive refining process adds to its carbon footprint compared to whole grains.
In the mid-19th century, cornstarch was primarily used as a laundry stiffener before it became a staple ingredient in global culinary applications.