Is Cornstarch Vegan? (And What Brands To Buy) - Texanerin Baking (2024)

Is cornstarch vegan? Yes, it is! However, it’s almost always GMO, unless otherwise indicated on the packaging. Read on for more!

What is cornstarch?

Cornstarch is the starch derived from corn and is made from the white endosperms found in the center of a corn kernel. Those endosperms are ground into a fine, white powder that is often used as a thickening agent.

How is cornstarch used?

Cornstarch is most often used to thicken liquid-based foods such as stews, soups, sauces, and even desserts likes custards (like my Vegan Custard!). When used correctly and in appropriate amounts, cornstarch is translucent and tasteless.

Because cornstarch consists of nothing but corn endosperm, cornstarch is indeed vegan. I’ve looked at tons of packages and looked online for non-vegan cornstarch brands, but can’t find any.

It might exist somewhere, but I can’t find any evidence of it. So are there any issues for vegans?

It kind of depends. Are you cool with GMOs? Most corn, and therefore cornstarch, in the US, is GMO.

Is Cornstarch Vegan? (And What Brands To Buy) - Texanerin Baking (1)

If you’re worried about it, buy organic cornstarch. If something is certified organic, it can’t be GMO.

Or try a different type of starch! The only issue is that they’re not perfectly interchangeable with cornstarch, even if some sources say so.

If I use the same amount of cornstarch and arrowroot starch in something like pudding, you’ll get two different results.

I had this issue with my Vegan Coconut Pudding, which calls for cornstarch. I tried making it paleo by using arrowroot starch, but the result was weird. And it didn’t even work at all with some brands.

You can certainly experiment, but just know that the results might not be exactly as you had hoped.

Vegan cornstarch brands

The following information is accurate as of 4/18/2022 in the US. I checked out every product myself (unlike other articles which copied and pasted the same list with a misspelled a brand name 😂).

Those lists mention Argo as being vegan. But the product isn’t labeled as vegan, and I don’t see it in the product description anywhere. Their FAQs do say, “Argo Corn Starch is free of gluten, soy, milk, egg, peanut and tree nuts.” But cross-contamination could be an issue.

  • Anthony’s – this one is the only product I could find that’s actually labeled as vegan on the bag. Non-organic and non-GMO.

  • Pure – not labeled on the bag, but the product page says it’s vegan. Not labeled as non-GMO, but they say that they are.

  • Bob’s Red Mill – on the product page, it says, “All Bob’s Red Mill products are vegetarian; this product is also vegan.” It doesn’t say non-GMO on the bag, but in the questions section on the Bob’s Red Mill product page, they say, “This product is not organic, however it is non GMO. At Bob’s Red Mill, we have made a commitment to purchase only non-GMO grains. All of our products are made from ingredients that were grown from identity-preserved, non-GMO seed.”

  • Clabber Girl – on their website, they write, “All baking ingredients manufactured by Clabber Girl Corporation contain no animal products. Additionally, all of the ingredients used in our products are free of animal products and are not derived from material of animal origins.” Their most popular product isn’t labeled as non-GMO, but the one I linked to say non-GMO right on the front!

  • Earthborn Elements – listed as vegan and non-GMO on the product page.

  • Rumford – listed as vegan on their product page and labeled non-GMO on the package.

If you’ve read this far, you might be in need of a treat like this Paleo Vegan Raspberry Coconut Tart! (Psst – it has cornstarch.) 😉

I hope I’ve answered your question! Feel free to leave any other questions you may have below.

Is Cornstarch Vegan? (And What Brands To Buy) - Texanerin Baking (2)

Is Cornstarch Vegan? (And What Brands To Buy) - Texanerin Baking (2024)

FAQs

What is a vegan substitute for cornstarch? ›

7 Options When You Need a Cornstarch Substitute
  • Potato Starch. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, paleo-friendly. ...
  • Arrowroot Powder. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, paleo-friendly. ...
  • All-Purpose Flour. Pros: Vegan. ...
  • Xanthan Gum. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly. ...
  • Tapioca. Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly. ...
  • Rice Flour. ...
  • Guar Gum.
Jun 10, 2021

Is corn starch vegan? ›

When used correctly and in appropriate amounts, cornstarch is translucent and tasteless. Because cornstarch consists of nothing but corn endosperm, cornstarch is indeed vegan.

Does cornstarch have dairy? ›

Corn Starch is dairy free. Corn Starch does not contain milk and should be safe for those with a milk allergy.

What happens when you bake with cornstarch? ›

When added to cake, cookie, pie filling and shortbread recipes, cornstarch helps create a crumbly and tender dessert-like texture. Commercially, cornstarch is often used as an anti-caking agent.

Is Bob's Red Mill cornstarch vegan? ›

All Bob's Red Mill products are vegetarian. This product is also vegan, meaning it does not include eggs, dairy or honey.

What can I use instead of cornstarch in baking? ›

Which one you use depends on the recipe, your needs, and what pantry staples you have on hand.
  • Potato Starch. Potato starch is the cornstarch substitute favorite of associate food editor Kendra Vaculin. ...
  • Rice Flour. ...
  • All-Purpose Flour. ...
  • Tapioca Flour. ...
  • Arrowroot Powder. ...
  • Xanthan Gum.
Jun 13, 2022

Is Argo Corn Starch vegan? ›

Argo Gluten Free Pure Corn Starch. This product is likely vegan.

Why avoid corn starch? ›

There is little nutritional benefit to cornstarch, and it can potentially raise blood sugar. Eating cornstarch in small amounts is OK, but it should be avoided in large quantities due to its highly processed nature and lack of essential vitamins or nutrients.

Is honey vegan? ›

In the strictest definition of the word, honey is not vegan. As the product of a living being –honeybees, though there are other some 20,000 bee species to be found around the world – honey falls into the same category of non-vegan food products as milk and eggs.

Does sour cream have cornstarch? ›

Ingredients. Cream, milk, modified milk ingredients, modified corn starch, guar gum, carrageenan, carob bean gum, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, bacterial culture.

What are examples of cornstarch? ›

Corn starch is a common food ingredient, often used to thicken sauces or soups, and to make corn syrup and other sugars. Corn starch is versatile, easily modified, and finds many uses in industry such as adhesives, in paper products, as an anti-sticking agent, and textile manufacturing.

What brand of corn starch is non-GMO? ›

Rumford Non-GMO Corn Starch.

Does cornstarch go bad? ›

Good news: Cornstarch is one of those baking staples that can last for years and doesn't really expire. If cornstarch does go bad, it's usually because moisture or pests have been able to get to it—and you'll notice it immediately. It may have an off taste or flavor (think sour or "funky"), or an off color.

What does cornstarch do to the body? ›

Each serving is high in carbs and calories but low in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. Consuming high amounts regularly may increase your blood sugar levels and be associated with adverse effects on heart health.

Why put cornstarch in brownies? ›

For chewy brownies that taste (in the best way) like those that come from a boxed mix, use about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per 1/2 cup of flour. You can also substitute cornstarch for the flour in a brownie recipe to make the most fabulous fudgy and chewy gluten-free brownies around.

What ingredient will you use if cornstarch is not available? ›

Arrowroot flour or starch.

Add twice the amount of arrowroot to your food if you're substituting it for cornstarch. For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of cornstarch, you'll use two tablespoons of arrowroot powder. Arrowroot is often used for pie fillings and desserts as it goes well with acidic fruits.

How to thicken sauce without cornstarch? ›

All-purpose flour: You can thicken sauces with all-purpose wheat flour. For every tablespoon of cornstarch, use three tablespoons of flour. Combine raw flour with cold water in a small bowl to form a paste, then add it into the sauce as it's simmering.

Can I use almond flour instead of cornstarch? ›

Almond Flour – This low carb, gluten-free flour works for adding bulk when recipes call for cornstarch. Start with substituting 1 tablespoon of almond flour for every tablespoon of cornstarch.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in pudding? ›

What can I use instead of cornstarch for puddings? Cornstarch often teams up with egg yolks to thicken a custard or pudding. Swapping in all-purpose or rice flour is your best bet here, since tapioca, potato starch, and arrowroot powder can be finicky with respect to cooking and holding.

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