What’s the Difference Between Corn Flour and Cornstarch?

Cornstarch and corn flour both come from corn but differ in their nutrient profiles, flavors, and uses.

In the United States, corn flour refers to finely ground powder from whole corn kernels. Meanwhile, cornstarch is a fine powder as well, but made only from the starchy part of corn.

Due to their distinct nutritional contents and processing methods, they have different culinary uses. What’s more, in some parts of the world, the names for each vary.

Processing

Both corn flour and cornstarch are made from corn.

Corn flour is the result of grinding entire corn kernels into a fine powder. Therefore, it contains protein, fiber, starch, and the vitamins and minerals found in whole corn. It’s typically yellow.

On the other hand, cornstarch is more refined and made by removing the protein and fiber of the corn kernel, leaving only the starchy center called the endosperm. This is then processed into a white powder.

Here is a comparison of the nutrient contents of 1/4 cup (29 grams) of cornstarch and corn flour:

Cornstarch: 120 calories

Corn flour: 110 calories

Cornstarch: 0 grams of protein

Cornflour: 3 grams of protein

Cornstarch: 0 grams of fat

Cornflour: 1.5 grams of fat

Cornstarch: 28 grams of fat

Cornflour: 22 grams of fat

Cornstarch: 0 grams of fat

Cornflour: 2 grams of fat

Corn flour is made by finely grinding whole corn kernels, whereas cornstarch is made just from the starchy part of corn. As a result, corn flour contains protein, fiber, starch, vitamins, and minerals, whereas cornstarch is mostly carbs.

Flavor differences

Corn flour has an earthy, sweet taste similar to whole corn, whereas cornstarch is flavorless.

Confusing naming practices

Countries outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom, Israel, and Ireland, refer to cornstarch as corn flour and corn flour as cornmeal. If you’re confused about which product is meant for your recipe, see how it’s used to help you decide.

Not interchangeable in recipes

Corn flour can be used to make breads and pastries, whereas cornstarch is used as a thickening agent.

The bottom line

Corn flour is a yellow powder made from finely ground, dried corn, while cornstarch is a fine, white powder made from the starchy part of a corn kernel.

Both may go by different names depending on where you live.

Corn flour is used similarly to other flours, whereas cornstarch is mainly used as a thickener.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cornstarch-vs-corn-flour?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=authoritynutrition&utm_content=2019-07-04&apid=#bottom-line

https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/31974/what-is-the-difference-between-corn-flour-and-corn-meal