Where Can I Find Cornstarch In The Grocery Store?
Cornstarch is most commonly found in the baking aisle of your grocery store, often near the flour, sugar, and other baking essentials. It may also be located in the gluten-free section if your store has one, or alongside other thickening agents like arrowroot powder.
Unveiling the Mystery of the Elusive Cornstarch
Finding cornstarch in a grocery store can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. While it’s a staple ingredient in many kitchens, its exact location can vary depending on the store’s layout and organizational system. This article aims to equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the aisles and locate this essential ingredient quickly and efficiently. We’ll explore its typical locations, consider alternative spots, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure your shopping trip is a success.
The Primary Suspect: The Baking Aisle
The baking aisle is, without a doubt, the most likely place to find cornstarch. This section is typically dedicated to all things baking-related, from flour and sugar to baking powder and chocolate chips. Cornstarch, being a key ingredient in many baking recipes, naturally finds its home here. Look for it near:
- Flour (all-purpose, bread, cake, etc.)
- Sugar (granulated, powdered, brown)
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Chocolate chips and other baking add-ins
Larger grocery stores may even have a dedicated section for baking extracts, food coloring, and other specialized baking ingredients. Cornstarch is likely to be in this area as well.
The Gluten-Free Zone: An Alternative Habitat
With the increasing popularity of gluten-free diets, many grocery stores now feature dedicated gluten-free sections. Cornstarch, being naturally gluten-free, often finds its way into this section alongside other gluten-free flours and baking mixes. If you’re having trouble finding it in the baking aisle, this is a worthwhile alternative to explore.
Thickening Agent Territory: Another Potential Location
Cornstarch is a powerful thickening agent, frequently used to thicken sauces, gravies, soups, and stews. Some grocery stores may group thickening agents together in a separate section, possibly near the spices or soup mixes. Look for it alongside:
- Arrowroot powder
- Tapioca starch
- Modified corn starch (although this may be in a different area, depending on the store)
Store Layout Variations: Adapting to the Environment
Keep in mind that the layout of each grocery store is unique. While the baking aisle is the most common location, don’t be afraid to venture to nearby sections if you’re having trouble finding it. Ask a store employee for assistance; they can usually point you in the right direction. Some stores may even have online maps or apps that can help you locate specific items.
Brands and Packaging: Recognizing Your Target
Familiarize yourself with common cornstarch brands and their packaging. Some popular brands include:
- Argo
- Clabber Girl
- Store-brand cornstarch (e.g., Kroger, Walmart, Trader Joe’s)
Cornstarch typically comes in a cardboard box or a resealable bag. The packaging usually features the word “cornstarch” prominently, along with images of its common uses, such as thickening sauces or baking desserts.
Digital Assistance: Utilizing Online Resources
Many grocery stores have websites or apps that allow you to search for specific products and see their in-store availability and location. Use these resources to your advantage! A quick search for “cornstarch” on your store’s website can save you time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H4: Is cornstarch the same as corn flour?
No, cornstarch and corn flour are not the same. Cornstarch is made from the starchy endosperm of the corn kernel, while corn flour is made from the entire kernel, ground into a fine powder. Cornstarch is primarily used as a thickening agent, while corn flour can be used in baking and cooking to add a corn flavor and texture.
H4: Can I use potato starch as a substitute for cornstarch?
Yes, potato starch can be used as a substitute for cornstarch, although there might be slight differences in the final result. Potato starch tends to thicken at a lower temperature than cornstarch and can produce a slightly glossier finish. Use equal amounts of potato starch as you would cornstarch in your recipe.
H4: How should I store cornstarch properly?
Cornstarch should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Properly stored cornstarch can last for several years.
H4: Does cornstarch expire?
While cornstarch doesn’t technically “expire” in the sense that it will become unsafe to eat, it can lose its thickening power over time if not stored properly. If your cornstarch clumps or has an off odor, it’s best to discard it.
H4: What are some common uses for cornstarch besides thickening sauces?
Besides thickening sauces, cornstarch has many other uses, including:
- Making slime or playdough for children
- Dusting baking pans to prevent sticking
- Creating a crispy coating for fried foods
- Relieving skin irritation (as a component in some homemade remedies)
H4: Can I use cornstarch to thicken cold liquids?
No, cornstarch needs to be mixed with cold water first to create a slurry before being added to hot liquids. Adding dry cornstarch directly to hot liquids will cause it to clump and not thicken properly.
H4: Is cornstarch gluten-free?
Yes, cornstarch is naturally gluten-free. However, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging to ensure that it hasn’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing ingredients.
H4: What is modified corn starch?
Modified corn starch is cornstarch that has been chemically altered to enhance its thickening properties or improve its stability in certain applications. It’s often used in commercially prepared foods and sauces.
H4: Can I make cornstarch at home?
While it’s possible to make cornstarch at home, it’s a labor-intensive process. It involves separating the starch from corn kernels through soaking, grinding, and filtering. It’s generally easier and more cost-effective to purchase cornstarch from the store.
H4: What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use other thickening agents such as:
- Flour: Use twice the amount of flour as you would cornstarch.
- Arrowroot powder: Use equal amounts of arrowroot powder as you would cornstarch.
- Tapioca starch: Use equal amounts of tapioca starch as you would cornstarch.
H4: Is there a difference between cornstarch and baking powder/baking soda?
Yes, cornstarch is different from both baking powder and baking soda. Cornstarch is a thickening agent, while baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help baked goods rise.
H4: Why is cornstarch sometimes labeled as “corn flour” in some countries?
In some countries, particularly in the UK, the term “corn flour” is used to refer to what Americans call “cornstarch”. It’s important to check the ingredients list to be sure you are getting the correct product for your recipe. If it lists only cornstarch or maize starch as the ingredient, it’s the product you’re looking for.