Understanding the Compulsion: Why do people eat cornstarch powder?

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a systematic review published in the journal Foods, starch accounts for up to 80% of calories in human diets worldwide, yet compulsively consuming refined, raw cornstarch powder is a distinct and often misunderstood behavior. This phenomenon is far from a simple food preference and is frequently linked to underlying medical and psychological issues, most notably a condition called pica.

Quick Summary

An urge to eat cornstarch powder is often a symptom of pica, an eating disorder involving non-food items. It is commonly associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as iron-deficiency anemia, and can also be driven by sensory and psychological factors. Habitual consumption of raw cornstarch carries significant health risks and requires medical investigation.

Key Points

Pica is a key cause: The compulsive eating of cornstarch is a form of pica known as amylophagia, which involves craving non-food starches.
Nutrient deficiency link: This craving is strongly associated with nutritional deficiencies, primarily iron-deficiency anemia and sometimes zinc deficiency.
Sensory factors play a role: The unique, powdery texture and mouthfeel of cornstarch can be a powerful sensory trigger, sometimes reinforced by online ASMR content.
Significant health risks exist: Eating large quantities of raw cornstarch is nutritionally empty and can lead to digestive issues, blood sugar spikes, and weight gain.
Medical consultation is necessary: Addressing the craving requires a medical evaluation to determine and treat the underlying deficiency or psychological trigger, rather than focusing on the symptom alone.
Healthy alternatives are available: Chewing ice chips or crunchy vegetables can provide a similar sensory experience without the associated health risks.

What is Pica and Amylophagia?

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by a compulsive craving for and consumption of non-food substances. These cravings can include dirt (geophagia), ice (pagophagia), clay, chalk, or paper. The specific form of pica involving raw starches, such as cornstarch, flour, or laundry starch, is known as amylophagia. This condition can affect individuals of any age but is most commonly observed in women, particularly during pregnancy, and in individuals with anemia or under high stress.

While the exact cause of pica is not fully understood, it is believed to be a complex interplay of dietary deficiencies, hormonal shifts, and psychological factors. A person with amylophagia often finds the smooth, dry texture of cornstarch appealing, leading to a habitual consumption that can become difficult to control.

Nutritional Deficiencies

One of the most significant and well-documented links to pica, and cornstarch cravings in particular, is nutrient insufficiency. The body's craving for non-nutritive substances may be a sign it is trying to address a deficiency, although eating cornstarch itself does not correct the problem.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia: This is one of the most common causes of amylophagia. Studies and clinical observations have frequently shown a strong correlation between low iron levels and the urge to consume non-food items like starch. Addressing the iron deficiency through supplements and diet often helps to eliminate the craving.
Zinc Deficiency: Like iron, a lack of zinc has also been associated with pica. For some, the body's attempt to seek out minerals may manifest as a craving for specific textures or substances like cornstarch.

Sensory and Psychological Drivers

For some individuals, the motivation behind eating cornstarch is not tied to a nutritional deficiency but is instead a psychological or sensory experience. The sensation of the fine, powdery texture in the mouth or the sound of breaking up dry chunks can be soothing and satisfying.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): The internet has seen a rise in ASMR videos featuring people eating and crunching cornstarch chunks. For some, watching these videos can trigger a relaxing, tingling sensation, while for others, it can normalize or trigger their own craving for the specific texture.
Stress and Anxiety: Compulsive consumption of non-food items can serve as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety. The repetitive action and sensory experience can provide temporary comfort or a distraction from emotional distress.

Health Risks of Consuming Raw Cornstarch

While cornstarch is a common food ingredient used in cooking, consuming it raw and in large quantities is not harmless. It offers little to no nutritional value beyond a quick burst of carbohydrates, which can be detrimental to one's health.

Nutrient Displacement: Eating large amounts of cornstarch can replace more nutritious foods in the diet, leading to an overall nutritional deficiency and exacerbating the very problem that may have caused the craving in the first place.
Digestive Issues: Raw starch is difficult for the body to digest. Frequent consumption can lead to significant gastrointestinal problems, including bloating, gas, and constipation.
Blood Sugar Spikes: As a high-glycemic food, cornstarch is digested quickly, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar. This is a particular concern for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Dental Problems: The gritty, sticky nature of raw cornstarch can cause damage to teeth and gums over time.

Addressing the Craving

For anyone experiencing a compulsive craving for cornstarch, the first step is to consult a medical professional. Diagnosis and treatment often depend on the root cause.

Action Steps for Managing Amylophagia:

Medical Evaluation: Visit a doctor to be tested for nutritional deficiencies, especially iron and zinc levels. Addressing any underlying medical issues is crucial.
Dietary Adjustments: Work with a dietitian to create a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that can address any deficiencies. Incorporate foods high in iron, such as lean meats, beans, and leafy greens.
Sensory Alternatives: If the craving is sensory, try healthier substitutes with a similar texture, such as crunchy vegetables (carrots, celery) or ice chips.
Behavioral Therapy: For psychological triggers, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.

Amylophagia vs. Other Pica Cravings


Feature	Amylophagia (Cornstarch)	Pagophagia (Ice)	Geophagia (Dirt/Clay)
Substance	Raw starches (cornstarch, flour)	Ice or freezer frost	Dirt, clay, sand, earth
Common Link	Often tied to iron and zinc deficiencies.	Very strongly associated with iron-deficiency anemia.	Also linked to iron deficiency; potentially linked to other mineral needs.
Sensory Appeal	Smooth, dry, powdery, and sometimes crunchy texture.	Cool temperature and satisfying crunch.	Earthy smell and gritty texture.
Health Risks	Digestive issues, blood sugar spikes, weight gain.	Tooth damage and enamel erosion.	Exposure to parasites, lead, or other toxins.
Primary Treatment	Addressing underlying nutritional deficiency; behavioral therapy.	Addressing iron deficiency.	Addressing mineral deficiency; preventing exposure.

Conclusion

To conclude, the habit of eating cornstarch powder, while seemingly strange, is a symptom with complex origins. It is not an addiction to the powder itself but rather an underlying medical or psychological issue manifesting as a specific craving, known as amylophagia. The most common drivers are nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and zinc, and sensory or psychological needs. Consuming raw cornstarch is not only without nutritional benefit but also carries several health risks, including digestive problems, blood sugar issues, and nutrient malabsorption. For this reason, anyone experiencing persistent or intense cravings for cornstarch should seek prompt medical advice to identify and treat the root cause, rather than self-treating the symptom. With proper medical care, dietary changes, and sometimes therapy, the craving can be effectively managed. The conversation surrounding this behavior is critical for reducing stigma and promoting healthier nutritional habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, compulsively eating cornstarch is not a normal dietary behavior. It is often a symptom of an eating disorder called pica, which indicates an underlying medical issue, most commonly a nutritional deficiency.

Amylophagia is the specific term for a pica-related craving for starches. This includes raw cornstarch, laundry starch, and uncooked rice.

Consuming raw cornstarch in large amounts poses several risks, including digestive problems like gas, bloating, and constipation, as well as blood sugar spikes due to its high glycemic index.

Yes, a strong desire to eat cornstarch is frequently associated with iron-deficiency anemia. Correcting the mineral deficiency often resolves the pica symptoms.

Pica, including the craving for cornstarch, is more common during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be screened for iron-deficiency anemia, which is often the cause of the craving.

The most effective way to stop the craving is to treat the underlying cause. This involves a medical evaluation to test for deficiencies, nutritional guidance to balance the diet, and potentially therapy if psychological factors are involved.

Yes, for some, the craving can be purely sensory or psychological. The texture can be soothing, and the behavior may be a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, sometimes influenced by online trends like ASMR.