Understanding Why are People Eating Cooked Cornstarch?: The Real Reasons Behind Pica and Starch Cravings

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

While most people use cornstarch to thicken sauces and gravies, a rising trend on social media features individuals consuming it directly. This phenomenon has led many to ask, Why are people eating cooked cornstarch? The answer, however, reveals a deeper issue often tied to a craving for the raw powder rather than the cooked version.

Quick Summary

The craving to consume cornstarch stems from the eating disorder pica, not its nutritional value. Linked to deficiencies in nutrients like iron and zinc, hormonal changes in pregnancy, or the satisfaction of a sensory need, consuming large amounts can cause digestive issues and high blood sugar.

Key Points

Pica is the root cause: Compulsively eating cornstarch is often a symptom of pica, an eating disorder involving cravings for non-food items.
Linked to nutritional deficiency: Many cases of pica are associated with deficiencies in minerals like iron and zinc, and the craving may subside once corrected.
Sensory appeal and social trends: For some, eating raw cornstarch is driven by the satisfying sensory texture, amplified by social media trends like ASMR.
Health risks include digestive issues: Eating large amounts of raw cornstarch can cause gas, bloating, constipation, and lead to nutritional imbalances.
Requires medical consultation: If you or someone you know has these cravings, it is vital to see a doctor to rule out underlying medical issues.
Not a nutritional food: Cornstarch is a highly refined carbohydrate with very little nutritional value, lacking fiber and essential nutrients.
Limited medical use: Uncooked cornstarch is sometimes used under strict medical supervision to manage blood sugar in specific metabolic conditions like glycogen storage disease.

The question of why people are eating cooked cornstarch stems from a widely observed phenomenon involving a craving for the uncooked powder. For most, cooked cornstarch is an innocuous thickening agent in sauces, gravies, and baked goods, but the habit of eating it directly is commonly associated with a specific eating disorder called pica, and more specifically, the subtype amylophagia, or the compulsive eating of purified starch. This behavior is not driven by nutritional need, as cornstarch is a highly processed, nutrient-poor carbohydrate, but by underlying medical, psychological, or sensory factors.

Unveiling Pica: The Root of Starch Cravings

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by a compulsive appetite for non-food substances. While some may crave dirt or ice, others fixate on starch. The craving for cornstarch is often a symptom of underlying issues, the most common of which are nutrient deficiencies.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Many cases of pica, including amylophagia, are linked to deficiencies in key minerals, especially iron and zinc. The body's craving for certain textures may be an instinctive, though misguided, attempt to replenish these missing nutrients. Correcting the deficiency with supplements, under a doctor's supervision, can often resolve the craving.

Hormonal and Psychological Factors

Pica is also prevalent during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal shifts and an increased demand for nutrients. Stress, anxiety, and other psychological conditions can also trigger these cravings, with the act of consuming the substance serving as a coping mechanism. The behavior provides a form of comfort or distraction for the individual.

The Sensory Appeal and Social Media Influence

Beyond medical causes, some people eat cornstarch for its unique texture. The fine, powdery feel and the subsequent texture when it dissolves can be oddly satisfying. This sensory appeal has been amplified by social media trends:

ASMR Videos: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos feature creators crunching or tapping cornstarch chunks, producing a sound that some viewers find relaxing.
Mukbang: Originating from Korea, mukbang videos feature hosts eating large quantities of food. Some incorporate crunchy textures like dried cornstarch chunks, catering to a niche audience.

The Dangers of Eating Cornstarch for Nutrition

Despite the cravings, cornstarch is not a health food and offers little to no nutritional benefits. As a refined carbohydrate, it is stripped of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals during processing. Relying on it as a significant part of one's diet can have serious health consequences.

Here are some of the key risks associated with consuming large amounts of cornstarch:

Digestive Issues: Eating uncooked cornstarch, in particular, can lead to unpleasant digestive side effects like gas, bloating, and constipation, as it is difficult for the body to digest raw starch.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Cornstarch has a high glycemic index, meaning it is digested quickly and can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This is especially risky for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Nutritional Imbalance: Overconsumption of cornstarch can displace more nutrient-dense foods in the diet, leading to malnourishment over time.
Heart Health: Diets high in refined carbs have been linked to higher triglyceride levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

Legitimate Medical Uses of Starch

It is important to distinguish the compulsive consumption linked to pica from medically supervised uses of specific types of starch. For example, uncooked cornstarch is used to help manage hypoglycemia in some individuals with glycogen storage diseases. In these cases, measured doses are taken under medical supervision to stabilize blood sugar levels, and is not a generalized eating behavior.

Understanding Different Starch Consumption Habits


Aspect	Pica-Related Starch Eating	Cooking-Related Cornstarch Use
Form Consumed	Typically raw, straight from the box or formed into chunks.	Cooked, as part of a larger recipe.
Reason for Consumption	Compulsive craving driven by nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc), psychological factors, or sensory appeal.	To thicken liquids and improve the texture of foods.
Nutritional Impact	Zero or negative nutritional impact; can lead to digestive issues and nutrient imbalances.	Adds minimal calories and carbs in small amounts, little to no nutritional value.
Quantity	Can be consumed in large, habitual quantities.	Used sparingly, usually one to two tablespoons per recipe.
Health Implication	Indicates an underlying health issue requiring medical evaluation.	Generally safe when used in moderation as an ingredient.

Addressing Cornstarch Cravings Safely

If you or someone you know experiences a compulsive craving for cornstarch, seeking medical advice is the first and most crucial step. A doctor can perform blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies and rule out other underlying health conditions. A registered dietitian can also help develop a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to address potential nutritional gaps. For those with sensory cravings, healthier textural alternatives like crunchy vegetables, nuts, or seeds can provide similar satisfaction without the risks.

Conclusion

The habit of eating cornstarch, particularly in its raw form, is a complex issue with roots in medical conditions like pica, psychological factors, and the satisfying sensory experience it provides. While cooked cornstarch is a common and safe kitchen staple used in moderation to enhance the texture of dishes, the intense craving and consumption of large, unheated quantities is a red flag for underlying health problems. Rather than a nutritional choice, this behavior is a signal that one's body is seeking something it's missing. Addressing the root cause with professional medical and nutritional guidance is the safest and most effective course of action.

For more information on pica and eating disorders, consult resources like the Cleveland Clinic's page on the condition: Pica: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cornstarch is safe to consume in small amounts as a cooking ingredient, but eating large quantities or consuming it raw is not recommended due to its lack of nutrients and potential for causing digestive issues.

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by a compulsive desire to consume non-food items, which can include starch, dirt, chalk, and ice.

A craving for cornstarch during pregnancy may be a sign of pica, potentially triggered by hormonal changes or anemia (iron deficiency). A doctor should be consulted for proper evaluation and care.

Yes, eating large amounts of cornstarch can cause digestive problems like bloating and constipation. It can also lead to high blood sugar spikes due to its high glycemic index.

For some, the unique, chalky-yet-smooth texture of raw cornstarch is a sensory experience they find satisfying, which has become a trend in online communities and ASMR videos.

If the craving is for texture, healthier alternatives include crunchy vegetables like celery or carrots, nuts, seeds, or whole grains. A balanced diet can also help address potential nutritional deficiencies.

The first step is to see a doctor to identify any underlying nutritional deficiencies, like iron or zinc. Addressing the root cause, along with support from a dietitian and potentially therapy, is key to overcoming the craving.

Not necessarily, but it is often linked to psychological factors. Pica can be a symptom of underlying stress, anxiety, or compulsive behavior. Consulting a healthcare professional can help differentiate the cause.