10 Best Cornstarch Substitutes: Gluten-Free and Keto

Dieser Artikel basiert auf wissenschaftlichen Studien

Cornstarch | Gluten-Free | Low-Carb | Alternatives | Buy Substitutes

Cornstarch is often added to soups, sauces, and baked goods. However, many people are unsure whether cornstarch can be healthy.

In addition, many people question whether cornstarch is gluten-free. In this article, you’ll learn all the answers and healthy alternatives to cornstarch and in what proportion you substitute it.

What is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a smooth, white powder used for various things, especially cooking and baking.

Primarily, it is a thickening agent used in soups, sauces, puddings, and gravy. Some food manufacturers also use cornstarch to thicken cheese and yogurt. In addition, cornstarch is also used as a cleaning agent.

Cornstarch is extracted from the starchy part of the corn kernel, called the endosperm. The first discovery of cornstarch was made in 1840 by Thomas Kingsford, a wheat starch factory manager in New Jersey.

Originally, cornstarch was used for starch laundry and other household tasks. Before cornstarch was first consumed in 1851, it was used exclusively for industrial purposes.

As a result, many wonders if cornstarch can be healthy. In addition, most people are unclear about whether cornstarch contains gluten. After all, the starch is derived from grain, corn.

Is Cornstarch Gluten-Free?

Cornstarch is gluten-free. It is primarily carbohydrates and contains no proteins.

Finally, gluten is a lectin. And plants use these sticky proteins as toxins to defend themselves against predators (Dolan et al. 20101).

Is Cornstarch Low-Carb?

The fact that cornstarch is gluten-free does not mean it is low in carbohydrates. As the name starch already tells us, cornstarch consists mainly of carbohydrates.

Here are the nutrition facts per 100 g of cornstarch (*):

  • Energy: 381 calories
  • Protein: 0.3 grams
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 91.3 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 0.9 grams
  • Net carbs: 90.4 grams
how to substitute cornstarch

With these nutritional facts, you don’t have to be a doctor to understand that cornstarch is unsuitable for diabetics or a low-carb diet like the keto diet.

Is Cornstarch Healthy?

Over 90% carbohydrate content makes blood sugar and insulin levels go through the roof. Hence, cornstarch is an ideal food for gaining body fat quickly. For this reason, pigs are fattened up with it.

But aren’t these complex carbohydrates in cornstarch healthy?

Complex means that they are polysaccharides instead of monosaccharides. And they, in turn, are broken down by the liver into simple sugar, glucose.

The crux of this story is that this time-consuming process keeps blood sugar and insulin levels high for longer, promoting an antilipolytic effect (Jensen et al. 19892).

Cornstarch blocks fat breakdown (lipolysis) and promotes fat gain (Meijssen et al. 20013).

In addition, cornstarch is a refined food that is industrially produced. Therefore, the starch is separated from other components and nutrients of the plant, leaving only the concentrated polysaccharide.

Because cornstarch is an industrially processed food, so determining where the essential ingredient came from is challenging.

Such a processed product is ideal for cheap genetically modified plants.

About 90% of corn harvest comes from genetically engineered plants (USDA 20144).

For these reasons, cornstarch has healthier and more natural alternatives.

Cornstarch Substitutes

Since cornstarch is neither low-carb nor healthy, I recommend replacing it with an alternative binder.

Best Cornstarch Substitutes for Keto

For fans of low-carb cooking, three natural foods exist that can be first-rate substitutes for cornstarch as a binding agent.

1. Egg White

Eggs offer an alternative to cornstarch as a binder

We start with the most straightforward cornstarch alternative for athletes and low-carb enthusiasts.

Egg whites not only bind ingredients but also add easily digestible protein to the meal at the same time.

In addition, they help the bread to rise, which is not so easy without gluten. However, too much protein can also make the result too fluffy.

Egg white is a simple cornstarch substitute as long as you are not intolerant or eat a vegan diet.

For baking, use one egg white to substitute every tablespoon (4.5 grams) of cornstarch.

2. Gelatin

Like egg whites, gelatin is 100% carbohydrate-free, making it an excellent cornstarch alternative for keto baked goods (*).

Gelatin is a broken-down form of collagen, the protein that holds our bodies together. Accordingly, gelatin can be used as a binding agent.

In addition, this structural protein is the essential building block for teeth, joints, bones, skin, and hair (Stefanovic 20135).

Whether soup, smoothie, or baked goods, gelatin can be added as a dry powder to various recipes.

In cooking and baking, gelatin powder replaces cornstarch in a 2:1 ratio.

3. Ground Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a rare plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is why they play a significant role in vegetarian and vegan baking.

In addition, flaxseeds are incredibly low in carbohydrates, making them ideal for the ketogenic diet. One tablespoon of ground flaxseeds contains only 0.1 grams of net carbohydrates (*).

In addition, flaxseeds can improve blood clotting, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and the risk of inflammation and diabetes (Faintuch et al. 20076Mandaşescu et al. 20057Kawakami et al. 20158Bloedon et al. 20049).

Flaxseeds add moisture and binding to dishes. Therefore, they are suitable as a substitute for cornstarch in baked goods.

However, the seeds must be ground beforehand to produce the desired binding and structure. To do this, you can grind flaxseeds in a pepper mill. However, if you buy fine flaxseed flour, bread and other baked goods will turn out even better.

In baking, 1/2 tablespoon of ground flaxseed can replace one tablespoon of cornstarch.

Gluten-Free Cornstarch Substitutes for Baking

Although cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, there are healthier alternatives for baking.

1. Konjac Powder

Konjac powder or glucomannan is made from konjac root, exotic in Western society but widely used in Asian cuisine (Keithley et al. 201310).

Because of its high fiber content, the powder can thicken meals similar to cornstarch.

Moreover, recent studies attribute positive health effects to konjac flour, such as lowering blood lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure (Devaraj et al. 201811).

Glucomannan is a pure dietary fiber product. Therefore, it contains no net carbohydrates, proteins, or fats (*).

Thus, the cornstarch substitute is ideal for low-carb diets.

Konjac powder replaces cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. The exception is tough baked goods such as tortillas, which require a 1.5:1 ratio.

2. Almond Flour

Almonds can substitute cornstarch

Almond flour or almond meal will give you the same texture and consistency as cornstarch, without many carbohydrates.

Unlike cornstarch, almond flour can help improve your health. While it enhances energy levels and heart function, it helps fight diabetes and obesity (Berryman et al. 201512).

When baking, replace each tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of almond flour.

3. Psyllium Husk Powder

Psyllium husks are composed primarily of soluble fiber, which produces a gummy texture when combined with a liquid.

Therefore, psyllium husks readily absorb water, developing a thickening and binding effect. Consequently, they can also hold ingredients together in recipes.

However, psyllium husks are incredibly absorbent. As a result, they remove a large amount of liquid from a dish unless you add additional water.

For this reason, you should always add psyllium husks to a dish in conjunction with liquid.

With only one net carbohydrate per two tablespoons, psyllium husks are a keto-friendly thickener (*).

To make baked goods succeed, replace each tablespoon of cornstarch with at least half a tablespoon of psyllium husk powder.

Cornstarch Substitutes to Avoid

Although cornstarch is not healthy, not every substitute is a better alternative for your health, especially for weight loss.

1. Flour

Wheat flour is used as a cornstarch substitute for gravies and pie fillings. Although flour is just as much of a thickener, it doesn’t thicken as much. That’s why you need to use twice as much flour as cornstarch.

It also may not make baked goods as tender as starch.

Wheat flour is highly refined, low in fiber, and high in gluten. Accordingly, it is neither healthy for your gut nor suitable for weight loss.

2. Rice Flour

Rice flour has similar properties to conventional flour. Therefore, you must use twice the amount to make it a good cornstarch substitute.

100 grams of white rice flour contain 80 grams of carbohydrates (*).

Finally, it also represents refined carbohydrates that significantly increase blood sugar and insulin levels. However, compared to wheat flour, it contains hardly any plant toxins that can harm your intestines.

Intermittent Fasting 16/8 for Women Book

3. Potato Starch

Potato starch is commonly used in a 1:1 ratio as a cornstarch substitute for sauces or cakes.

But as the name suggests, potato starch is not much different from corn starch. It is just as much highly processed, concentrated starch that cannot help you stay fit.

4. Agar-Agar

If you want to replace the thickening ability of cornstarch without using gelatin or eggs, agar-agar is an option. You can substitute it in a 1:1 ratio.

Also, agar-agar is suitable for vegan cooking because it’s derived from red algae.

However, agar-agar is not a low-carb alternative suitable for keto because the algae are primarily carbohydrates, containing hardly any fiber (*).

Best Cornstarch Substitutes to Buy

Here are what I consider to be the best alternatives for cornstarch that you can buy on Amazon today:

There Are Healthier Alternatives for Cornstarch

Many low-carb substitutes for cornstarch exist that have health benefits and help you lose weight.

If you’d like to start losing weight today without constantly counting calories or exercising, try my free 30-Day Intermittent Fasting Challenge.

Cornstarch Substitutes FAQ

What is an equivalent of cornstarch?

Potato starch is equivalent to cornstarch. It is commonly used in a 1:1 ratio as a cornstarch substitute for sauces or cakes.

Can flour be substituted for cornstarch?

Yes, but because flour thickens as much, you must use twice as much flour to substitute cornstarch.

Can I use baking powder instead of cornstarch?

No, you cannot use baking powder to substitute cornstarch since it does not have the same thickening properties.

Studies ▾

#1-7

1Dolan LC, Matulka RA, Burdock GA. Naturally occurring food toxins. Toxins (Basel). 2010 Sep;2(9):2289-332. doi: 10.3390/toxins2092289. Epub 2010 Sep 20. Review. PubMed PMID: 22069686; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3153292.

2Jensen MD, Caruso M, Heiling V, Miles JM. Insulin regulation of lipolysis in nondiabetic and IDDM subjects. Diabetes. 1989 Dec;38(12):1595-601. doi: 10.2337/diab.38.12.1595. PubMed PMID: 2573554.

3Meijssen S, Cabezas MC, Ballieux CG, Derksen RJ, Bilecen S, Erkelens DW. Insulin mediated inhibition of hormone sensitive lipase activity in vivo in relation to endogenous catecholamines in healthy subjects. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Sep;86(9):4193-7. doi: 10.1210/jcem.86.9.7794. PubMed PMID: 11549649.

4USDA. Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States. Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Agriculture, 2014. Retrieved 2021 May 10, from https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/45179/43668_err162.pdf.

5Stefanovic B. RNA protein interactions governing expression of the most abundant protein in human body, type I collagen. Wiley Interdiscip Rev RNA. 2013 Sep-Oct;4(5):535-45. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1177. Epub 2013 May 28. Review. PubMed PMID: 23907854; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3748166.

6Faintuch J, Horie LM, Barbeiro HV, Barbeiro DF, Soriano FG, Ishida RK, Cecconello I. Systemic inflammation in morbidly obese subjects: response to oral supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid. Obes Surg. 2007 Mar;17(3):341-7. doi: 10.1007/s11695-007-9062-x. PubMed PMID: 17546842

7Mandaşescu S, Mocanu V, Dăscaliţa AM, Haliga R, Nestian I, Stitt PA, Luca V. Flaxseed supplementation in hyperlipidemic patients. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2005 Jul-Sep;109(3):502-6. PubMed PMID: 16607740.

#8-12

8Kawakami Y, Yamanaka-Okumura H, Naniwa-Kuroki Y, Sakuma M, Taketani Y, Takeda E. Flaxseed oil intake reduces serum small dense low-density lipoprotein concentrations in Japanese men: a randomized, double blind, crossover study. Nutr J. 2015 Apr 21;14:39. doi: 10.1186/s12937-015-0023-2. PubMed PMID: 25896182; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4409715.

9Bloedon LT, Szapary PO. Flaxseed and cardiovascular risk. Nutr Rev. 2004 Jan;62(1):18-27. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2004.tb00002.x. Review. PubMed PMID: 14995053.

10Keithley JK, Swanson B, Mikolaitis SL, DeMeo M, Zeller JM, Fogg L, Adamji J. Safety and efficacy of glucomannan for weight loss in overweight and moderately obese adults. J Obes. 2013;2013:610908. doi: 10.1155/2013/610908. Epub 2013 Dec 30. PubMed PMID: 24490058; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3892933.

11Devaraj RD, Reddy CK, Xu B. Health-promoting effects of konjac glucomannan and its practical applications: A critical review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Apr 1;126:273-281. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.203. Epub 2018 Dec 23. Review. PubMed PMID: 30586587.

12Berryman CE, West SG, Fleming JA, Bordi PL, Kris-Etherton PM. Effects of daily almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk and abdominal adiposity in healthy adults with elevated LDL-cholesterol: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Heart Assoc. 2015 Jan 5;4(1):e000993. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.114.000993. PubMed PMID: 25559009; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4330049.

Mag. Stephan Lederer, MSc. is an author and blogger from Austria who writes in-depth content about health and nutrition. His book series on Interval Fasting landed #1 on the bestseller list in the German Amazon marketplace in 15 categories.

Stephan is a true man of science, having earned multiple diplomas and master's degrees in various fields. He has made it his mission to bridge the gap between conventional wisdom and scientific knowledge. He precisely reviews the content and sources of this blog for currency and accuracy.

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