Corn flour and corn starch are both made from corn/makkai, looking the same as white powder, and are pantry staples. But still they are different.
Let’s read it down: what they are, how they work in recipes, and whether either offers any health benefits or not.
🧂What is Corn Flour???
Corn flour is commonly known as ‘Makkai Ka Atta’ and is made by grinding whole corn kernels, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. As a fine yellow or white powder, it’s not to be confused with cornmeal, which is coarser. In India, this is often used interchangeably for corn flour, especially in winter when makki ki roti takes center stage.
Key traits of Corn Flour
- It is slightly nutty and sweet in flavor.
- Corn flour contains protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the whole grain.
- It’s pale yellow or white in color, depending on the corn variety.
💧 What is Corn Starch?
Corn starch is extracted from only the starchy part of corn, called the corn endosperm. It is ultra-refined, pure starch, and typically used only as a thickening agent, but not for its taste or nutritional value.
Key traits of Corn Starch:
- Starch is flavorless, silky, and a very fine white powder.
- As an almost pure carbohydrate, it has no protein or fiber.
- It is excellent for thickening sauces, soups, gravies, and all.
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🍲 Where & How Are They Used?
1. Cooking & Baking
- Corn flour is used like wheat flour to make rotis, bake cakes, make muffins, make pancakes, or as a base for Indian breads.
- Corn starch is used for thickening custards, soups, gravies, sauces, and puddings. It’s often added at the end of cooking to add silkiness and thickness.
2. Texture
- Corn flour gives a dense and crumbly texture, and it is ideal for gluten-free baking.
- Corn starch creates a smooth, glossy finish, and it is perfect for Chinese sauces, creamy gravies, and dessert fillings.
3. Frying
Both can be used in frying, but for different effects:
- Corn flour gives a more golden, crisp crust to be useful in tempura and pakoras.
- Corn starch gives a light, delicate crispiness to be useful in Korean fried chicken and vegetarian Indo-Chinese dishes.
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🩺 Health Benefits of Corn Flour & Corn Starch
🌽 Corn Flour: The Nutrient-Rich Option
Since corn flour includes the entire grain, it contains:
- Fiber for digestion
- Protein for muscle’ health
- B vitamins like niacin and thiamin
- Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin are good for eye health.
Aap Ka Bazar’s Tip: Corn flour is great for those who follow gluten-free diets and are looking for a whole-grain alternative.
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💨 Corn Starch: Limited Nutritional Value
Corn starch is almost pure carbohydrate and lacks fiber, protein, or significant vitamins. However, it’s still low in fat and cholesterol-free, and can cause…
- Blood sugar spikes if consumed in large amounts
- Digestive issues if not cooked properly
Aap Ka Bazar’s Tip: Corn starch is considered the best when used in small amounts as a thickener, not as a corn flour substitute.
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❌ Common Confusions Between Corn Flour & Corn Starch
- Can you use corn starch in place of corn flour?
No, they behave differently in heat and texture. Using one in place of the other could ruin the recipe.
- Are corn starch & white corn flour the same in India?
Sometimes, we can say YES! Desi Indian people often refer to corn flour as corn starch, especially when it is in packaged Chinese sauces or baking mixes.
Aap ka Bazar’s Tip: Read the ingredients label carefully before buying and using corn flour and corn starch to avoid confusion.
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✅ Quick Summary
| Feature | Corn Flour | Corn Starch |
|---|---|---|
| Made From | Whole corn kernel | Starchy part (endosperm) |
| Nutrition | Fiber, protein, B-vitamins | Mostly carbs, low nutrition |
| Texture in Recipes | Dense, gritty | Smooth, silky |
| Common Use | Baking, flatbreads, frying | Thickening sauces, desserts |
| Gluten-Free | Yes | Yes |
🛒 Where to Buy & How to Save Up to 38% on MRP
You can easily buy both corn flour and corn starch from an online grocery store in Delhi or other platforms to choose branded products like…
- Tops Corn Starch with up to 9% discount
- Weikfield Corn Starch with a starting price of ₹32
- Brown & Polson Corn Starch with up to 11% discount
Aap Ka Bazar’s Tip: Always store corn starch in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to prevent lumping or spoilage. And check the following corn flour brands
- Deepak Makki Atta with a starting price of 40 only
- Rajdhani Makki Atta with a 38% discount
- GM Foods Makki Atta 23% off on the MRP
Aap Ka Bazar’s Tip: For a plant-to-plate experience, opt for 24 Mantra Organic Whole Corn Atta, which is made from ground corn grain grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides.
If you’re baking or cooking gluten-free meals, corn flour is your go-to for taste and nutrition. To learn more about the various types of Atta, click and read.
If you’re thickening sauces or making silky desserts, corn starch is the hero. Simply mix cornstarch with water and stir it into hot liquids to achieve a thick, gravy-like texture.
Use them right, store them smartly, and must read the label/directions/expiry date/warnings carefully before consuming. Because the above-mentioned information and health benefits are collected from online writing tools.
