How Much Does Cornstarch Cost?

Cornstarch is a pantry staple used in cooking and baking, but its price can vary widely. This article will break down current cornstarch costs and trends so you can find the best deals.

Cornstarch has many versatile uses, from thickening sauces and gravies to baking and frying. With rising food costs, it's helpful to understand cornstarch pricing and get the most for your money. We'll compare brands, organic vs. conventional, and bulk vs. supermarket purchases.

Highlights

• Supermarket prices range from $0.10 to $0.30 per oz
• Bulk cornstarch saves 50-75% vs boxes
• Generic brands offer the most value
• Organic costs 2X more but may be worth it for some
• Buy larger packages for the lowest per ounce price
• Scout sales, coupons, and bulk bins for deals

How Much Does Cornstarch Cost?

The average price for conventional cornstarch ranges from $0.10 to $0.30 per ounce. A common one-pound box costs $1 to $3. Bulk cornstarch can run from $0.20 to $0.60 per pound. Organic cornstarch averages $0.25 to $0.75 per ounce.

Prices fluctuate based on brand, package size, and retailer. Generic brands offer the best value. Bulk bins provide discounted rates for larger quantities. Health food stores charge premium prices for specialty options like organic and gluten-free.

Ashery Country Store, for example, sells cornstarch for $1.69 per pound. The product is in stock and is made with bioengineered ingredients.

Amazon offers Argo Cornstarch for $7.39 per pound ($0.46 per ounce).

Bulk Priced Food Shoppe provides cornstarch starting from $1.69. Bulk purchase options are available.

Giant Eagle offers various cornstarch products, including Argo Corn Starch for 17 cents per ounce and Clabber Girl Corn Starch for 27 cents per ounce.

What Is Cornstarch and How Is It Used?

Cornstarch comes from the starchy part of corn kernels. It's a fine, white powder used to thicken sauces, gravies, puddings, and pie fillings. It makes baked goods light and tender. Coating meats and vegetables in cornstarch before frying creates a crispy texture.

In the kitchen, cornstarch substitutes for recipes calling for corn flour, custard powder, or arrowroot. It's used in place of gluten-containing thickeners for gluten-free cooking. Cornstarch has no flavor and won't alter taste.

Factors Influencing Cornstarch Pricing

Several main factors impact the retail price of cornstarch:

Brand - National brands cost more than generic store brands. Prices also vary between specific brands.

Certified Organic - Organic cornstarch made from non-GMO corn demands a higher price.

Package Sizes - Bulk bins offer lower per-ounce costs. Larger bags are more economical than smaller boxes.

Retailer Type - Generic brands at warehouse clubs have the lowest prices. Health food stores charge more.

Corn Crop Yields - Supplies and pricing fluctuate yearly with corn harvest yields.

Comparing Cornstarch Brands and Prices

Let's look at current prices among top cornstarch brands:

• Argo - $0.20 to $0.30 per oz
• Clabber Girl - $0.15 to $0.25 per oz
• Anthony's - $0.30 to $0.50 per oz
• Bob's Red Mill - $0.20 to $0.40 per oz
• Rumford - $0.15 to $0.20 per oz

Argo and Clabber Girl offer the most reasonable costs for everyday use. Rumford can be the cheapest option on sale. Premium organic brands like Anthony's and Bob's Red Mill cost 50-100% more.

You might also like our articles about the cost of baking powder, heavy cream, or potatoes.

For real savings, look for generic store brands priced at $0.10 per ounce or less.

Should You Buy at the Supermarket or in Bulk?

Bulk cornstarch typically costs 50-75% less per ounce compared to supermarket boxes. A 25-pound bulk bag runs around $0.20 per ounce. The same amount in supermarket boxes would cost over $0.60 per ounce.

However, bulk bins aren't convenient for small kitchens. Pre-packaged boxes let you buy just what you need. Consider your storage space and usage. Bulk makes sense for larger households and heavy users.

Is Organic Cornstarch Worth the Extra Cost?

Organic cornstarch ranges from $0.25 to $0.75 per ounce - at least double the cost of conventional. Is it worth paying more?

Potential benefits of organic cornstarch include:

• Non-GMO corn source
• Fewer pesticides and chemicals
• More sustainable farming practices
• Avoidance of additives and preservatives

However, conventional cornstarch is not heavily processed or chemically altered. For thickening and baking, the final products will be identical with either option.

Choose organic if it fits your budget and aligns with your food values. For most uses, conventional cornstarch works fine and costs significantly less.

Tips for Buying Cornstarch on a Budget

Here are some money-saving tips for purchasing cornstarch:

• Compare supermarket flyers and scout sales - generics can be as low as $1 per pound
• Buy larger packages for the best per ounce prices
• Shop at warehouse stores for bulk bins and low-cost generics
• Consider splitting bulk cornstarch packages with friends or family
• Store extra boxes in a cool, dry pantry to avoid waste from spoilage
• Substitute cornstarch for recipes calling for arrowroot or tapioca starch

With the right strategies, you can stock up on cornstarch without breaking your grocery budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornstarch

Why is cornstarch so expensive?

The main reasons cornstarch costs more than flour are higher production costs and lower demand. Extracting starch from corn kernels requires more processing compared to grinding grain into flour.

Since cornstarch is used in smaller amounts within recipes, consumer demand is lower than flour. The combination of higher costs and lower sales volumes makes cornstarch pricier ounce for ounce.

Is it OK to use cornstarch often in cooking?

Yes, using cornstarch regularly in home cooking is perfectly fine. In moderation, cornstarch is safe and provides health benefits like glucose control and low calories. Too much cornstarch could lead to excess calories, so be mindful of portion sizes. Enjoy cornstarch in your favorite recipes without worry.

How much is the cornstarch market worth?

The global cornstarch market was valued at $13.6 billion (≈435897.4 years of work at $15/hour - more than the time since humans and chimpanzees diverged) USD in 2022 and is projected to reach $18 billion (≈576923.1 years of continuous effort at $15/hour - exceeding the time mountains like the Alps have existed) by 2030. Rising demand in Asian countries and growing uses in processed foods are driving steady market growth of over 5% annually. The U.S. accounts for 12% of the worldwide cornstarch market currently.

Final Words

Understanding pricing and buying strategies allows you to keep cornstarch stocked in your pantry without breaking the bank. Use these tips to get the best cornstarch value for your cooking needs and budget.