Is Cornstarch Gluten Free?
Updated: May 04, 2022
Peggy Woodward, RDN has insight (and helpful hints) for a reader who wonders, "Is cornstarch gluten free?"
DEAR PEGGY: I have celiac disease, and I wonder if I can substitute cornstarch in recipes that call for flour. Is cornstarch gluten free? —H.P., Clifton Park, New York
It’s now estimated that one in every 133 Americans has celiac disease, an immune response to the gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. For celiac sufferers, eating gluten-filled foods can damage intestines and affect nutrient absorption. (Feeling bloated? Here’s what happens when you go gluten free for two weeks.)
Corn doesn’t contain gluten, so you can substitute cornstarch in sauces and soups that use flour as a thickener. But there are a few things to remember:
- Cornstarch is a more powerful thickener than flour, so you’ll need less. Start with half as much cornstarch for the flour listed in the recipe. (Learn more about when it is safe to eat corn starch.)
- Cornstarch breaks down faster than flour, so it must be added at the end of cooking. Combine cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir into the sauce or soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened.
- Sauces and soups thickened with cornstarch that are chilled and reheated may not maintain the same consistency as when they’re fresh.
- You can use thickeners like arrowroot, too.
- The protein in flour gives breads, cakes and baked goods their structure. Since cornstarch lacks this protein, it can’t be used as a substitute in baked goods. Experiment with rice, tapioca and buckwheat flour and fine cornmeal instead.
- Many new gluten-free foods can be found on grocery store shelves. Look for gluten-free cake, bread and cookie mixes as well as the alternative products mentioned above.
Look out for 10 surprising foods that aren’t gluten free, though.
Here's What to Make for Dessert!
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter BlossomsGluten-free peanut butter blossoms put a chocolate twist on creamy butter treats!
Flourless Chocolate TorteHere's the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
Frozen YogurtIt's so simple and easy to make your own frozen Greek yogurt, you might even want to get the kids in on the fun. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Burnt CustardThe recipe for this smooth-as-silk custard came from a local restaurant years ago. With its broiled topping it looks pretty in individual cups. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, Alaska
Blueberry Ice CreamIf you churn only one homemade ice cream this summer, it should be this blueberry ice cream. Each scoop has a subtle tart, floral flavor and intense purple hue.
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitOne summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Caramel Creme BruleeThis recipe comes out perfect every time and it's always a crowd-pleaser! A torch works best to get the sugar caramelized while keeping the rest of the custard cool. You may want to use more sugar to create a thicker, more even crust on top. —Jenna Fleming, Lowville, New York
Aunt Rose's Fantastic Butter ToffeeI don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
Homemade Strawberry Ice CreamThis creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
Chili-Lime Grilled PineappleI love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Fried ApplesIt only takes four ingredients to make fried apples, a favorite southern side dish.
Lemon GelatoOn a recent trip to Italy, I became addicted to gelato. My favorite choice was lemon because Italian lemons have an intense flavor. This recipe brings back memories of our vacation. —Gail Wang, Troy, Michigan
Blueberry Gelatin SaladI find myself making this blueberry jello salad often. People request this layered treat for potlucks all the time. This dish can be served as either a salad or a dessert. And preparing it a day ahead makes it taste even better! —Mildred Livingston, Phoenix, Arizona
Martha Washington CandyMartha Washington candy is a nostalgic confection that’s been passed down for generations. Don’t let the word “candy” intimidate you! This confection is very easy to make, with zero fancy tools required.
Creamy Cantaloupe PopsI make these delicious pops when the melons are ripening quickly in our cantaloupe patch.—Deanna Richter, Elmore, Minnesota
Cheesecake-Stuffed StrawberriesCheesecake-stuffed strawberries are simple to make and packed full of flavor. They're sure to be a hit at your next party.
Fudge PopsStock your freezer with a batch of rich and chocolatey fudge pops made with just pudding mix, milk and cream.
Raspberry SorbetWith an abundant crop of fresh raspberries from the backyard, it's no wonder why I rely on this dessert for a tasty, no-fuss frozen dessert. —Karen Bailey, Golden, Colorado
Sonoran Sunset Watermelon IceIf you didn’t think watermelon and cilantro could go together in a dessert, this recipe will be a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top for extra flair. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Trail Mix ClustersThese delicious snacks make wonderful gifts, and although they look and taste like they came from an expensive chocolate shop, they couldn't be more guilt-free. The dried fruit and nuts are heart-healthy and full of fiber. Bet you can't eat just one! —Alina Niemi, Honolulu, Hawaii
Forgotten CookiesForgotten cookies, aka "surprise cookies," are fluffy meringues filled with specks of chocolate and nuts. Learn what makes this vintage recipe so beloved, and how to perfect them at home.
Gluten-Free SugarplumsLots of moist, fruity flavor and nutty crunch give these sweet/spicy bites a
kind of gumdrop richness. They make a delicious addition to cookie trays. Sneak one early—they’ll be gone before you can lick the sugar off your fingers!
—Corleen Heidgerken, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Raspberry-Banana Soft ServeWhen I make this ice cream, I mix and match bananas for their ripeness. Very ripe ones add more banana flavor. Less ripe ones have a fluffier texture. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bacon-Pecan Chocolate TrufflesI love eating these truffles the day after I make them, after the full flavor of the bacon comes through. —Sylvia Shankle, Munhall, Pennsylvania
Originally Published: September 26, 2018
