Is cornstarch gluten-free?
Cornstarch is gluten-free. It's made from the endosperm of corn kernels and contains no gluten proteins. Major brands (Argo, Clabber Girl, Bob's Red Mill, store brands from Kroger and Target) all produce gluten-free cornstarch. A few producers test and certify to under 20 ppm, which is the strictest standard for celiacs.
When it's safe
- The ingredient list is just "cornstarch" or "corn starch"
- The product is from a major US or European brand
- The package carries a gluten-free claim or certification
When to avoid it
- The product is a cornstarch-based thickener blend that also lists wheat
- The product is imported with an unclear ingredient list and no GF claim
Not sure about a specific product?
GF Scanner is an iOS app that scans barcodes and ingredient labels to detect gluten in seconds. It's free to download, includes 1 free barcode scan and forever-free offline ingredient-label text scanning, and offers a free trial for Pro barcode scanning and AI analysis. It works on packaged foods worldwide and supports 33 languages.
Download FreeFrequently asked questions
Is Argo cornstarch gluten-free?
Yes. Argo cornstarch is labeled gluten-free and is tested to under 20 ppm. It's one of the most widely used GF cornstarch brands in the US.
Can I use cornstarch to thicken gluten-free sauces?
Yes. Cornstarch is a standard gluten-free thickener — substitute 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons of wheat flour in a roux or slurry.