Why Do Most People Eat Cornstarch? Uncovering the Truth Behind the Craving

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the compulsion to eat non-food substances like cornstarch is a symptom of a disorder known as pica. While cornstarch is a common kitchen ingredient, consuming it raw or in large quantities can signal underlying medical issues that require attention. This article explores why do most people eat cornstarch and the factors behind this unique behavior.

Quick Summary

The compulsion to consume cornstarch, known as amylophagia, is a symptom of pica, an eating disorder often linked to nutritional deficiencies like iron or zinc. It is most common among pregnant women, children, and people with certain mental health conditions. Other contributing factors include hormonal changes, stress, and a desire for the sensory texture. Seeking a medical evaluation can help address the root cause and associated health risks.

Key Points

Pica and Amylophagia: The compulsive eating of cornstarch is a specific type of pica, an eating disorder involving cravings for non-food items.
Nutritional Deficiencies: A common cause is an underlying deficiency, most notably iron-deficiency anemia, which can trigger cravings for non-nutritive substances.
Associated with Pregnancy: Pica is particularly prevalent among pregnant women due to hormonal changes and the body's increased need for nutrients.
Health Risks: Consuming raw cornstarch can cause digestive problems, contribute to blood sugar spikes, and displace essential nutrients from the diet.
Address the Root Cause: The most effective treatment is to consult a doctor to test for and treat any underlying medical issues, such as anemia.
Seek Psychological Support: For compulsions tied to stress, anxiety, or sensory triggers, behavioral therapy can provide effective coping mechanisms.

Understanding Amylophagia and Pica

For the majority of people, cornstarch is a useful and safe ingredient when cooked and consumed in moderation. However, the compulsive craving for and consumption of cornstarch is a specific type of pica called amylophagia. Pica is an eating disorder characterized by persistently ingesting non-food substances or items with no nutritional value, such as dirt, clay, or chalk. While the exact cause is not fully understood, research points to several potential triggers.

Nutritional Deficiencies

One of the most widely recognized links to pica is the presence of nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron-deficiency anemia. The body's craving for non-food items like starch can be an instinctual, though unhelpful, response to a lack of certain minerals. Correcting the underlying deficiency with supplements or dietary changes often eliminates the craving.

Hormonal and Psychological Factors

Beyond nutrition, hormonal shifts and psychological factors play a significant role. Pregnant women are a demographic where amylophagia is particularly common due to fluctuating hormone levels and increased risk of anemia. For others, the craving may serve as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety.

The Sensory Experience

Another contributing factor is the sensory appeal of cornstarch. Some individuals find the fine, powdery texture satisfying to the touch and in the mouth. This is sometimes linked to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), where certain sounds or sensations, such as the crunch of raw starch, produce a tingling sensation that is pleasing to some individuals. Online trends, especially on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, have also contributed to the normalization of this behavior within niche communities.

Medical Conditions

In specific medical cases, uncooked cornstarch may be intentionally consumed under strict medical supervision. This is most common for patients managing certain types of glycogen storage disease to help regulate blood sugar levels. However, this is a distinct, medically controlled practice and should not be confused with the compulsive behavior of amylophagia.

Comparison of Causes for Cornstarch Consumption


Reason for Consumption	Underlying Factor	Risks	Common Demographics
Pica (Amylophagia)	Nutritional deficits (iron, zinc), stress, anxiety, hormonal changes.	Gastrointestinal issues (constipation, blockages), nutritional imbalance, dental damage.	Pregnant women, children, individuals with mental disabilities.
Medical Management	Glycogen storage disease.	Overconsumption risks, blood sugar fluctuation if not carefully managed.	Patients with specific metabolic disorders, under medical supervision.
Sensory Appeal	Texture preference, ASMR triggers.	Digestive discomfort, potential for excessive calorie intake.	Individuals sensitive to specific tactile sensations.
Culinary Use	Thickening agent in recipes (cooked).	Minimal risks in small, cooked quantities. High glycemic index in large amounts.	General population, home cooks, chefs.

Risks of Eating Cornstarch

Consuming raw or large amounts of cornstarch can pose several health risks:

Digestive Issues: It is difficult for the body to digest raw starch, leading to digestive problems like bloating, gas, stomach pain, and constipation.
Nutrient Displacement: Since cornstarch is a highly processed carbohydrate with no vitamins, minerals, or fiber, consuming it can displace more nutrient-dense foods, leading to overall poor nutrition.
Blood Sugar Spikes: As a high-glycemic food, large amounts of cornstarch can cause rapid increases in blood sugar, posing a risk for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Increased Triglycerides: Diets high in refined carbohydrates like cornstarch have been linked to higher triglyceride levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Dental Problems: Eating the gritty powder can wear down tooth enamel over time.

Addressing the Underlying Cause

The most effective way to stop compulsively eating cornstarch is to address the underlying cause. This starts with a consultation with a healthcare professional, who can run tests for nutritional deficiencies. For those with deficiencies, vitamin or iron supplements are often prescribed, which can eliminate the craving. For the psychological aspects, behavioral therapy or counseling can provide coping strategies to manage the compulsive urges. In some cases, simply identifying the trigger can be enough to curb the habit.

Conclusion

While most people encounter cornstarch only in cooked recipes, the craving to eat it raw is a real and common phenomenon, often stemming from the eating disorder pica. The primary triggers are frequently nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, though psychological factors and sensory cravings can also play a role. Ignoring this compulsion can lead to several health complications, including digestive problems, nutrient deficiencies, and blood sugar issues. If you or someone you know has a persistent craving for cornstarch, it is important to seek medical advice to identify and treat the root cause and avoid potential risks. See more about pica from the Cleveland Clinic here.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a persistent craving for cornstarch is not considered normal and is often a sign of an underlying medical issue, most commonly a form of pica related to nutritional deficiencies.

The primary medical condition is pica, often driven by iron or zinc deficiencies. It can also be associated with pregnancy, stress, anxiety, and certain developmental disorders.

Eating raw cornstarch can cause digestive issues like bloating and constipation because it is difficult for the body to break down. It can also lead to blood sugar spikes and poor overall nutrition.

The first step is to see a doctor to get tested for nutritional deficiencies. If a deficiency is found, supplements can help. For psychological or sensory reasons, a therapist can help provide effective coping strategies.

No, eating cornstarch does not cause anemia. It is the other way around: the craving for cornstarch (amylophagia) is often a symptom of an already existing iron-deficiency anemia.

Pregnant women may crave cornstarch due to pica, which can be triggered by hormonal changes and a higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

Cornstarch is safe to consume in small amounts as a thickening agent in cooked recipes, such as sauces or soups. Consuming it raw or in large quantities is not recommended and can be harmful.