When you come across an Australian recipe that calls for cornstarch or cornflour, it’s likely to refer to the same thing. This ingredient ischeap, easy to find, and super effective as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, and more.
But cornstarch and cornflour (or corn flour) can be very different ingredients depending on where a recipe is from. So, here’s what you need to know about cornstarch in Australia and how to tell if that’s what you need for a recipe.
What is cornstarch in Australia?
Cornstarch and cornflour are the same ingredient in Australia, although the spelling can be different. In basic terms, it is a starch that comes from corn kernels and is commonly used in recipes to thicken liquid when you want richer soups, stews, or gravies. It can also be used to prevent caking in powdered mixtures, like in confectioner’s sugar.
There’s also something called ‘modified corn starch’ which is starch that is treated, processed, or otherwise changed to make it more useful, consistent, or effective.
Is corn flour the same as cornstarch Australia?
Australian cornstarch is also known as corn flour, while overseas it may also be referred to as corn starch and maize starch. But this can be confusing, as “corn flour” in the United States and some other countries means a ground flour you would use in a similar way to wheat or other flours.
Quick guide: Cornstarch vs corn flour
- In Australia, “corn flour” refers to the fine, white powder used as a thickening agent (equivalent to “cornstarch” in the US).
- In Australia, “cornmeal” is a coarse flour used in recipes like cornbread or polenta.
- If a recipe from the US or another overseas location has “cornstarch” as an ingredient, you can typically buy Australian cornflour.
- If a recipe from the US or another overseas location has “corn flour” as an ingredient, check if it refers to “cornmeal” by reading the method to determine whether it’s used as a flour (i.e. for corn bread) or as a thickening agent.
- When buying corn flour in Australia, check where the product is from, as US imports could refer to an actual flour.
What’s the difference between cornstarch and flour?
Cornstarch is different from flour (another thickening agent) because it is clear when mixed into a recipe. In comparison, a true flour will slightly lighten or change the colour mixture a little bit.
But like flour, one of the biggest issues with using cornstarch is that it can form lumps if it’s not prepared correctly. To prevent lumps from forming, you have to mix the cornstarch with a cold liquid (usually water or milk) before adding it into the recipe.
Cornstarch also has non-culinary uses. For example, you can make ‘slime’ with your kids with cornstarch and a few other ingredients like water, dish soap, or glue. It’s also used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastic-like materials. Cornstarch is also the anti-sticking agent of choice for most latex medical products, such as gloves, condoms, and the like.
Some people may use cornstarch as a natural deodoriser since it absorbs moisture and odours quite well. It can also be used in dry shampoo, as a multi-purpose cleaner, to treat bug bites, or on the face as a translucent setting powder.
Is corn flour gluten-free?
Pure corn flour and cornstarch in Australia are typically gluten-free. Corn itself is a gluten-free grain, and when processed into corn flour, it retains its gluten-free properties.
But cross-contamination can occur during processing or packaging. And sometimes when cornflour is used as an anti-caking agent, other ingredients that do contain gluten may also be present. So, if you need gluten-free ingredients, opt for brands that explicitly label their corn flour as gluten-free or that adhere to strict gluten-free manufacturing practices.
Cornstarch substitutes
If a recipe calls for cornstarch, but you don’t have it at home, you have a few options. The most common substitution is flour, especially if you’re using it to thicken a liquid.
Flour may be less effective at thickening, so you’ll need to add more to match the amount of cornstarch dictated by the recipe. You’ll need to mix it with water or make a roux (by oil or butter) before adding it into the recipe, or else you’ll get lumps. Also consider adding it slowly to check the consistency.
You can also use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a direct one-to-one substitution. Other alternatives include tapioca starch or rice flour.
If you’re using cornstarch as a household cleaner, then your best bet would be to use vinegar and/or baking soda instead.
Where to buy Australian cornstarch or corn flour
Woolworths
Woolworths Essentials’ gluten-free cornflour (which is the same as cornstarch) retails for $2.25/500g.
Other brands may include White Wings and Macro Organics.
Coles
You can get Coles brand cornflour for just $1.35 for a 300g box. Other brands may include White Wings.
Aldi
Some Aldi products (like their string cheese) are dusted with cornstarch to keep them from caking/sticking, but they also have run-of-the-mill cornflour/cornstarch that you can buy for your kitchen pantry.
IGA
IGA stocks a range of cornstarch and cornflour products, such as White Wings Cornflour and McKenzies Corn Flour.
Like plenty of kitchen staples, cornstarch has multiple uses. You should always keep a box handy just in case you need it – for cooking, household cleaning, or having fun with your kids.
