Why Do People Eat Cornstarch? Uncovering the Causes Behind the Craving

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

While cornstarch is a common kitchen ingredient for thickening sauces and gravies, the compulsive craving and consumption of it is a recognized eating disorder called amylophagia. This unusual behavior, often a symptom of the broader condition known as pica, is one of the primary reasons why do people eat cornstarch directly from the box.

Quick Summary

The craving to consume cornstarch is a medical condition known as amylophagia, a subtype of pica. It is often a signal of underlying iron or zinc deficiencies, particularly during pregnancy. Other drivers include sensory appeal and psychological factors. The habit can lead to serious health issues, highlighting the importance of addressing the root cause.

Key Points

Pica and Amylophagia: The compulsive craving for cornstarch is a medical eating disorder known as amylophagia, a subtype of pica.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Cornstarch cravings are often triggered by deficiencies in minerals like iron or zinc, particularly in pregnant women and children.
Health Risks: Consuming large, raw quantities of cornstarch can cause digestive issues, blood sugar spikes, nutrient malabsorption, and weight gain.
Medical vs. Compulsive: Uncooked cornstarch is also used therapeutically for rare glycogen storage diseases under strict medical supervision, which is distinct from the eating disorder.
Professional Guidance is Key: The most effective way to stop the craving is to consult a doctor to diagnose and treat the underlying deficiency or psychological issue.
Explore Alternatives: Safe, nutrient-rich alternatives like ice chips, crunchy vegetables, or fiber-rich snacks can satisfy the craving for texture.

Cornstarch, a fine, powdery substance derived from the endosperm of corn kernels, is a pantry staple used primarily as a thickening agent. However, a less common but well-documented phenomenon involves individuals consuming large quantities of uncooked cornstarch directly. While the behavior might seem strange, it is not a matter of a simple food preference but is frequently symptomatic of underlying medical and psychological issues. The compulsive consumption of starch, known as amylophagia, is a specific form of the eating disorder called pica, which is characterized by the craving and eating of non-food substances.

The Pica Connection and Nutritional Deficiencies

One of the most significant links to the craving for cornstarch is the eating disorder pica, which has been associated with specific micronutrient deficiencies. Extensive research has identified strong correlations between pica and low iron levels, a condition known as iron-deficiency anemia. The body's physiological mechanisms may trigger these unusual cravings in an attempt to replenish low nutrient stores. This is particularly common in certain populations:

Pregnant women: A developing fetus requires a significant amount of iron, which can deplete the mother's stores and trigger cravings for non-food items like cornstarch.
Children: Pica is also common in children, often in conjunction with iron or zinc deficiencies.
Individuals with anemia: Anemia can cause a variety of symptoms, including the intense, uncontrollable urge to eat starch or ice.

Besides iron, a deficiency in zinc has also been linked to pica. Correcting the nutritional deficiency with appropriate dietary changes and supplements, under medical supervision, often resolves the craving.

Psychological and Sensory Factors

While nutritional deficiencies are a primary driver, other non-nutritive factors also play a role in why do people eat cornstarch. For some individuals, the behavior is primarily motivated by sensory appeal. The smooth, powdery texture and the peculiar, sometimes squeaky, sensation it creates in the mouth can be deeply satisfying. In recent years, this has even been amplified by social media trends, where people post videos of themselves eating cornstarch as a part of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) content.

Furthermore, psychological factors can contribute to amylophagia. Eating cornstarch can become a coping mechanism for managing stress or anxiety, providing a form of oral gratification that temporarily distracts from psychological distress.

Medical Uses for Uncooked Starch (A Distinct Case)

It is important to differentiate between pica-driven consumption and the very specific medical use of uncooked cornstarch. For patients with certain rare metabolic conditions, such as glycogen storage disease, medically supervised and measured doses of uncooked cornstarch are consumed. This acts as a slow-release source of carbohydrates to maintain stable blood sugar levels, especially overnight or between meals. This is not a recreational or compulsive activity but a carefully managed therapeutic protocol.

Health Risks of Eating Cornstarch

Consuming large amounts of raw cornstarch poses several health risks, as it offers little nutritional value beyond empty calories and carbohydrates.

Digestive issues: Because it is difficult for the body to digest raw starch in large quantities, it can cause significant digestive discomfort, including gas, bloating, and constipation.
Nutrient malabsorption: In some cases, the consumed starch can bind with elemental iron in the gut, potentially worsening an existing iron-deficiency anemia.
Blood sugar spikes: The high glycemic index of cornstarch means it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, posing a particular risk for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Dental problems: Chewing on the gritty substance can also wear down tooth enamel over time.
Weight gain: The high carbohydrate and calorie content of cornstarch can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

Addressing and Overcoming a Cornstarch Craving

If you or someone you know has a persistent craving for cornstarch, the first and most crucial step is to seek medical advice. This is not a habit to be managed alone, as it points to a deeper health issue.

Consult a healthcare provider: Schedule an appointment with a doctor. They can conduct blood tests to check for underlying nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and zinc.
Treat nutritional deficiencies: If a deficiency is identified, following a doctor-prescribed regimen of supplements is the most effective way to eliminate the craving.
Address psychological factors: If the behavior is linked to stress, anxiety, or OCD, a therapist can provide valuable strategies and support through behavioral intervention.
Explore healthy alternatives: Transitioning to healthier alternatives can satisfy the craving for a specific texture. Options include chewing ice chips, crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery, sugar-free gum, or high-fiber foods.
Focus on nutrient-dense foods: A balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, and fiber can help correct deficiencies and reduce the urge to consume non-food items.

Healthier Alternatives to Cornstarch Consumption

To satisfy a sensory craving for texture without the risks of consuming cornstarch, consider nutrient-rich alternatives. Here is a comparison:


Feature	Cornstarch (Raw, Large Quantities)	Healthy Alternatives (e.g., Ice Chips, Fiber-Rich Foods)
Nutritional Value	High in empty carbohydrates and calories; low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.	Offers hydration (ice) or significant fiber, vitamins, and minerals (vegetables, whole grains).
Associated Health Risks	Bloating, constipation, blood sugar spikes, nutrient malabsorption.	Generally none, unless consumed excessively (e.g., dental damage from chewing ice).
Primary Motivation	Underlying nutritional deficiency (iron, zinc), psychological coping, or sensory appeal.	Conscious decision to satisfy texture craving safely and healthily.
Treatment for Craving	Addressing underlying medical or psychological cause with professional help.	Focusing on balanced nutrition and mindful eating practices.

Conclusion

For many, eating cornstarch is an indicator of the underlying medical eating disorder known as pica, often driven by nutritional shortfalls such as iron or zinc deficiency. It is not a harmless quirk but a call to action from the body that should be addressed by a healthcare professional. Correcting the nutritional imbalance is the most direct path to resolving the craving. For those drawn to the texture, safer alternatives are available to satisfy the sensory need without risking harm. Recognizing the symptoms of pica is the first step toward a healthier nutritional diet and improved overall well-being. For more information on eating disorders, visit the National Eating Disorders Association website, where you can find resources and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating cornstarch in small, cooked quantities as a thickening agent is safe. However, consuming large, raw amounts is not advisable due to potential health risks like digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, and blood sugar spikes.

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by a persistent craving for and compulsive consumption of non-food items, or substances with no nutritional value, for at least one month. Different types are named for the substance consumed, with amylophagia being the term for starch-eating.

Cornstarch cravings in pregnant women are a common manifestation of pica and are frequently associated with iron-deficiency anemia. It is a signal that the body's iron stores are low due to the increased demands of pregnancy.

While the exact cause is complex, the craving for cornstarch is most strongly linked to iron-deficiency anemia. Some research also suggests a connection to zinc deficiency.

First, consult a doctor to check for nutritional deficiencies like iron and zinc. Treatment often involves supplementing the missing nutrient. For psychological triggers, therapy can be beneficial. Finding healthy alternatives for texture, like ice chips or carrots, can also help manage the habit.

Yes, consuming large amounts of cornstarch can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar due to its high carbohydrate and high glycemic index. This is particularly risky for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

To satisfy a craving for texture, safe alternatives include eating ice chips, sugar-free gum, or crunchy foods like celery and carrots. Addressing underlying nutritional issues is the fundamental long-term solution.