Is Cornflour or cornstarch Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Cornflour or cornstarch: Check the Label

Check the Label Cornflour or cornstarch

Maize cornflour is gluten free, but Australian cornflour is often wheat-based.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

Rated against the stricter of the two standards. Compare AU and US rules

Cornflour made from maize (corn) is gluten free, but in Australia a product labelled simply cornflour is often wheaten cornflour, which is made from wheat. Only cornflour labelled maize or 100% corn is gluten free.

Coeliac Disease

Check it says maize cornflour or 100% corn. Avoid wheaten cornflour.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance. Choose maize cornflour.

Why Does Cornflour or cornstarch Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Cornflour made from maize (corn) is gluten free. In Australia, though, products labelled simply cornflour are frequently wheaten cornflour, which is made from wheat and contains gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

A well-known Australian trap. Generic cornflour is often wheaten (wheat) cornflour. Only maize cornflour is gluten free under FSANZ.

United States (FDA)

In the US, cornstarch is made from corn and is gluten free. The wheaten cornflour issue is mainly Australian and British.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g ยท Typical serve: 100 g
Energy1528 kJ / 365 kcal
Protein0.3g
Fat, total0.1g
Saturated fat0.0g
Carbohydrate91.3g
Sugars0.0g
Dietary fibre0.9g
Sodium9mg

Source: USDA FDC. Values are for the generic food in its standard form. Branded products may vary. Always check the product label for the most accurate nutrition information.

What to Watch For

The word wheaten, or wheat in the ingredients. Only cornflour labelled maize or 100% corn is gluten free.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Tapioca starch, potato starch, rice flour, almond flour, gluten free flour blend.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information about gluten content, not medical advice. If you have coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, always consult your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before making dietary changes. Product formulations change. Always read the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cornflour or cornstarch gluten free?

Cornflour made from maize (corn) is gluten free, but in Australia a product labelled simply cornflour is often wheaten cornflour, which is made from wheat. Only cornflour labelled maize or 100% corn is gluten free.

Can coeliacs eat cornflour or cornstarch?

Check it says maize cornflour or 100% corn. Avoid wheaten cornflour.

Related Foods in Baking Ingredients

Not GF, not gluten free Plain flour (wheat)Not GF, not gluten free Self-raising flourNot GF, not gluten free Bread flourGF, gluten free Almond flour or mealGF, gluten free Rice flourGF, gluten free Coconut flourGF, gluten free Tapioca starch or flourGF, gluten free Potato starch

More from RefDat

Need to convert recipe measurements for gluten-free baking? RefDat cooking converters cover cups to grams, tablespoons to millilitres, and more. For oven adjustments see the temperature converter. Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of stand mixers for coeliac-friendly options.

How We Verify This

Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.

Sources

FSANZ, Coeliac Australia

Last reviewed: July 2026