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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the aisles of options and choice in the grocery store when it comes to corn products? You’re not alone – navigating through the myriad of ingredients can be confusing. In this blog post, we breakdown two corn-based kitchen staples – corn meal and corn starch – and provide you with a simple buying guide. Get ready to get informed on what sets each ingredient apart so that your next trips to the supermarket take less time debating which one is right for your dish!
What is Corn Meal?
Corn meal is a coarsely ground flour made from dried, whole corn kernels. It typically has a yellow or white hue and ranges in texture from fine to medium grinds. Generally, the finer the grind, the higher its nutrient content as most of the hull is removed. Depending on what you’re making, both coarse and fine versions can be used interchangeably in recipes. It adds a nutty flavor to dishes and is used primarily as an ingredient in baking.
What is Corn Starch?
Corn starch, on the other hand, is a refined powder extracted from ground corn kernels and is commonly used as a thickening agent for sauces and soups. It provides a glossy finish to food while stabilizing their texture, and is a great gluten-free alternative to flour.
Nutritional Properties
Calorie Content
Cornmeal contains more calories than corn starch. It has around 400 calories per 100 grams while corn starch only has around 374 calories per 100 grams.
Carbohydrate Content
Both are considered high-carb foods, although corn meal is higher in carbs than corn starch with almost 75 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams compared to only 72 grams in corn starch per 100 grams.
Protein Content
Corn meal is richer in protein than corn starch, with around 11 grams of protein per 100 grams compared to only 8 grams in corn starch per 100 grams.
Fat Content
In terms of fat content, both products are relatively similar – almost 5.5 grams for each ingredient per every 100 grams.
Application in Cooking
Uses for Each Product in Recipes
Corn meal is usually used as a coating for foods such as fried chicken and fish, or in baking products like breads, muffins, and cornbread. Corn starch is most often used to thicken sauces, gravies, soups and stews. It can also be mixed with other ingredients to make a smooth batter for deep-frying foods like tempura.
Taste and Texture
Corn meal adds a nutty flavor to recipes and has a slightly grainy texture. Corn starch doesn’t add any flavor and is virtually tasteless, but it does provide a glossy sheen and smooth texture to food.
Special Considerations
Corn meal and corn starch can both be used to thicken sauces, but corn meal should not be substituted for corn starch in baked goods. When using corn starch as a thickener, it’s important to mix it with cold water first before adding it to the dish so that it doesn’t clump up or form lumps in the sauce.
Buying Guide
When purchasing corn meal, choose a product that is organic, non-GMO, and made from whole grain kernels if possible. Look for labels that say “stone ground” or “100% whole grain” to ensure you are getting the highest quality and most nutrient-rich version of the product.
Which One Is Healthier?
When it comes to overall nutrition, both corn meal and corn starch have similar calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content. Corn meal has slightly more protein than corn starch, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, neither ingredient is particularly unhealthy in moderation – it just depends on what you’re making with them and how much you are consuming of each.
Frequently Asked Questions | Corn Meal vs Corn Starch
1. Is corn meal gluten free?
Yes, all types of corn are naturally gluten free so both corn meal and corn starch are suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
2. Can I use either product in baking?
Yes, both corn meal and corn starch can be used in baking. Corn meal is often used to make breads, muffins and other baked goods; it adds flavor and texture to the finished product. Corn starch can also be used as a thickener and binder for batters, doughs and fillings.
3. Can I use either product to thicken sauces?
Yes, both corn meal and corn starch are suitable for thickening sauces. However, corn meal will add grainy texture to the sauce while cornstarch will give it a smooth consistency.
4. Is one product healthier than the other?
Generally speaking, there’s no nutritional difference between the two products so neither one is necessarily healthier than the other.
5. Can I use either product as an alternative to flour?
Yes, corn meal and corn starch can both be used as alternatives to flour when baking or cooking. Corn meal has a more nutrient dense profile than corn starch, but the finer texture of the latter may be better suited for some recipes.
6. How should I store these products?
Both corn meal and corn starch should be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to six months before they start to lose their flavor and nutrition benefits. For longer storage times, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.
The Bottom Line
Corn meal and corn starch are both versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of recipes. Corn meal is mainly used for coating and baking, while corn starch is better suited for thickening sauces and soups. The nutritional content of the two products is similar, but corn meal contains more calories, carbohydrates, and protein per serving than cornstarch. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and which product you prefer for a particular dish.
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