Last Updated on 03/07/2020 by GS Staff
Q: Where is cornstarch in the grocery store?
A: Cornstarch is located in the baking aisle of the grocery store. The specific location in the baking aisle may vary based on the store you visit. However, a typical location is on the upper shelf above the flour or just adjacent to it. Other items that are commonly found in the baking aisle include baking soda, sugar, baking chocolate, nuts, corn meal, and shortening.
Who Sells Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is widely available at all major grocery stores. It can be found at stores such as Kroger, Walmart, Publix, Target, Whole Foods, Aldi (may be seasonal), Safeway, Meijer, and through Amazon. If the store sells a large selection of groceries, there is a pretty good chance that they also sell cornstarch.
Price
Prices vary depending on where you purchase your cornstarch. However, cornstarch is generally very inexpensive relative to many other foods. It is a product that is often purchased, a little portion is used, and then it sits for weeks or months in the cupboard until reused again.
According to eatbydate.com, cornstarch does not go bad if stored properly. It should be kept in a cool, dark place such as the pantry and free from moisture. This is good news for the frugal readers out there who hate throwing away expired food.
Below is an example of the prices we pay for cornstarch in our area. Go with the store brand for the most budget-friendly option. As shown below, Walmart had the best price for their Great Value brand cornstarch compared to the rest of the selections.
| Store | Cornstarch Product | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meijer | Argo | 16 oz | $1.89 |
| Meijer | Clabber Girl | 6.5 oz | $1.09 |
| Meijer | Meijer Brand | 16 oz | $1.49 |
| Whole Foods | 365 Everyday Value | 16 oz | $1.99 |
| Kroger | Kroger Pure | 16 oz | $0.99 |
| Kroger | Argo | 16 oz | $1.97 |
| Kroger | Rumford | 12 oz | $1.99 |
| Walmart | Great Value | 16 oz | $0.92 |
| Walmart | Argo | 16 oz | $1.67 |
| Target | Argo | 16 oz | $1.79 |
| Target | Clabber Girl | 6.5 oz | $0.89 |
Cornstarch Uses
Cornstarch has a flour-like appearance, however, once you touch it you realize cornstarch is something much different than flour. It has a chalky texture to it that some people can’t stand touching. Despite the often cited weird feel of cornstarch, it does serve a few primary purposes in cooking.
A main use of cornstarch is as a thickening agent for foods such as gravies, soups, and sauces. When properly incorporated in these types of foods, the taste of cornstarch is unnoticeable. Cornstarch can also be added to foods like chicken wings to help make them become crispy as they cook.
Check out this article from Reader’s Digest for some additional uses of cornstarch beyond the kitchen.
Cornstarch Substitutes
There are several substitutes for cornstarch if the store happens to not have it in stock or you prefer an alternative. The most common substitutes are arrowroot, potato starch, wheat flour, tapioca, and rice flour.
The Wrap Up
Generally, cornstarch is an easy find down the baking aisle close to the flour. If it is not there, ask a store associate where they are shelving the product. Some stores may take the unconventional approach and stock it in a different aisle. Overall, you should have no issues finding it based on the information in this article.
