Understanding What Brand of Cornstarch is Gluten-Free for a Safe Kitchen

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While pure cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, a significant risk of cross-contamination exists if it's manufactured in facilities that also process wheat or other gluten grains. This makes understanding what brand of cornstarch is gluten-free a crucial step for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This article will explore which brands are safe, why contamination is a concern, and how to verify gluten-free status.

Quick Summary

Pure cornstarch is derived from corn, a naturally gluten-free grain, but the manufacturing process can introduce trace gluten through shared equipment. This guide provides an overview of safe, certified cornstarch brands, explains the risks of cross-contamination, and offers alternatives for cooking and baking.

Key Points

Cross-Contamination Risk: The main risk with cornstarch is not the corn itself, but potential cross-contamination from being processed on shared equipment with wheat.
Prioritize Certification: The most reliable way to ensure a product is safe is to look for a third-party gluten-free certification logo on the packaging.
Trusted Brands: Bob's Red Mill (dedicated equipment, tested below 20 ppm) and Hodgson Mill (Certified by Celiac Support Association, below 5 ppm) are highly recommended for celiac patients.
Safe Brands: Brands like Argo & Kingsford's and Clabber Girl are widely considered safe, but may not have third-party certification, so check their websites.
Check Labels: Always read the ingredient list and look for a gluten-free claim or certification symbol to ensure the product meets your dietary needs.
Consider Alternatives: Other gluten-free thickeners like arrowroot, tapioca starch, and potato starch are available if you want to avoid corn entirely.

Is Cornstarch Naturally Gluten-Free?

Cornstarch, a fine powder derived from the endosperm of the corn kernel, is naturally gluten-free. It contains no wheat, barley, or rye—the typical sources of gluten protein. The issue for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity arises not from the corn itself, but from the potential for cross-contamination during processing and packaging. Many manufacturers operate facilities that handle multiple products, including gluten-containing ones. Without strict segregation measures, trace amounts of gluten can find their way into the cornstarch product, making it unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

The Crucial Role of Certification

To ensure a brand is truly gluten-free and free from cross-contamination, look for independent third-party certification labels. These certifications confirm that the product has been tested and meets specific, low-level gluten standards, such as less than 20 parts per million (ppm) as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other organizations. The Celiac Support Association (CSA) even requires less than 5 ppm. The presence of a certification seal on the packaging is the most reliable way to guarantee a product's safety.

Leading Brands of Certified Gluten-Free Cornstarch

For those prioritizing safety and minimizing risk, several brands offer certified or dedicated gluten-free cornstarch options:

Bob's Red Mill: This brand is highly trusted in the gluten-free community. Their cornstarch is processed on dedicated gluten-free equipment and is batch-tested to ensure it meets strict gluten-free standards of under 20 ppm.
Hodgson Mill: Known for its wide range of gluten-free baking products, Hodgson Mill's cornstarch is certified gluten-free by the Celiac Support Association, ensuring less than 5 ppm of gluten. The company only produces gluten-free items, further reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Clabber Girl and affiliated brands (Hearth Club, Rumford): Clabber Girl labels its cornstarch as naturally gluten-free, and some products are certified Kosher and Non-GMO Project Verified. The company also makes cornstarch under the Hearth Club and Rumford brand names, both of which are considered safe.
Argo & Kingsford's: This well-known brand offers cornstarch that is stated to be gluten-free, with the company confirming on its FAQ page that its cornstarch and baking powder products are free of gluten. While they do not use third-party certification, they are generally considered a safe option by many.

Brands to Approach with Caution

Some brands may not have dedicated facilities or robust testing protocols, making them a higher risk for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. While pure cornstarch is the only ingredient, cross-contamination is a valid concern.

Frontier Natural Products: According to some reports, Frontier offers cornstarch in bulk but does not explicitly label it as gluten-free, and it is processed in a facility that also handles gluten.
Rapunzel: This Austrian brand reportedly processes its organic cornstarch in a shared facility with wheat products, making it unsuitable for a strict gluten-free diet.

Always double-check the packaging and the manufacturer's website for the most current information and any third-party certification logos.

Beyond Cornstarch: Gluten-Free Thickening Alternatives

If you prefer to avoid cornstarch entirely or have a corn allergy, several effective gluten-free alternatives exist:

Arrowroot Powder: A tasteless thickener, arrowroot is perfect for fruit pies and glazes. Use twice the amount of arrowroot for cornstarch.
Tapioca Starch: Made from the cassava root, tapioca starch is a versatile thickener, though it can become stringy if boiled for too long.
Potato Starch: Great for thickening sauces, potato starch is not suitable for high-heat cooking and works best with recipes that are cooked quickly.
Xanthan Gum: Used as a binding agent, it is created by fermenting corn sugar. Measure carefully, as too much can result in a gummy or slimy texture.

The Takeaway: How to Ensure Your Cornstarch is Truly Gluten-Free

Your approach to selecting gluten-free cornstarch depends on your level of sensitivity. For those with celiac disease, purchasing certified products is the safest choice due to the significant risk of cross-contamination in shared facilities. Look for the official Certified Gluten-Free, GFCO, or NSF seals. Brands like Hodgson Mill and Bob's Red Mill explicitly state their safe processing methods. For those with less severe sensitivities, brands like Argo & Kingsford's or Clabber Girl might be acceptable, but always verify current company practices. Finally, remember that excellent alternatives like arrowroot and tapioca starch are widely available if you have any doubts. Staying informed and vigilant by checking labels is the best practice for a safe, healthy gluten-free diet.

Conclusion: Navigating Gluten-Free Cornstarch

For anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, selecting the right cornstarch requires diligence to prevent cross-contamination. While corn is inherently gluten-free, the manufacturing environment is the primary concern. Always prioritize brands that are third-party certified, like Hodgson Mill or Bob's Red Mill, as this offers the highest level of assurance. Brands like Argo and Clabber Girl are also considered safe by many, but always check their latest statements. Being an informed consumer is your best defense against accidental gluten exposure, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite dishes safely. For additional information on living a healthy gluten-free lifestyle, visit the Beyond Celiac website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all cornstarch is safe. While corn itself is gluten-free, some brands process their cornstarch on equipment that also handles gluten-containing products, leading to cross-contamination.

For those with celiac disease, the safest brands are those that are third-party certified gluten-free, such as Bob's Red Mill or Hodgson Mill. They adhere to strict standards to prevent cross-contamination.

Argo and Kingsford's state that their cornstarch is gluten-free. They are considered safe by many, but it is important to note they are not third-party certified like some other brands.

Naturally gluten-free means the base ingredient (corn) contains no gluten. Certified gluten-free means the final product has been tested by an independent third party to confirm it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, ensuring it is safe from cross-contamination.

Yes, several gluten-free alternatives can be used as thickeners, including arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Each has different properties, so check which one is best for your specific recipe.

To prevent cross-contamination, store gluten-free cornstarch in a separate, sealed container. Use dedicated utensils and clean surfaces thoroughly before preparing gluten-free foods.

Modified food starch can be derived from various sources, including wheat. Unless explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' and confirmed to be from a gluten-free source like corn or potato, it should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.