Cornstarch vs Miso: What’s The Difference?

Although cornstarch and miso belong to different food groups, while cornstarch belong is a grain, and miso belong to legumes food group, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares cornstarch and miso, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from grains and legume food groups are both high in carbs and protein and valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how cornstarch and miso compare specifically.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch (Zea mays) is a type of carbohydrate derived from the endosperm of the corn kernel.

It is a good source of energy, providing a high amount of carbohydrates and small amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is pure starch and has a very low nutritional value compared to whole-grain cornmeal.

Cornstarch is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, as it can absorb liquids and increase the viscosity of sauces, gravies, and puddings. It is also used as a coating for fried foods to provide a crisp texture. It is a gluten-free ingredient and can be used as a thickener for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Cornstarch is typically used in small amounts and is not a significant source of nutrition in the diet. It is often used as a thickener in combination with other ingredients, and when consumed in moderation, it can be included as part of a healthy diet.

Cornstarch is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

Miso

Miso (fermented soybean paste) is a traditional Japanese condiment made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a type of fungus called koji.

It is a thick, paste-like substance that adds flavor to various dishes, such as soups, sauces, and marinades.

Miso is an important part of Japanese cuisine and has been used for centuries to preserve and enhance food flavor.

One of the main health benefits of miso is its high protein content. Miso is made from soybeans, a good source of plant-based protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Miso also contains many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The fermentation process used to make miso also helps to increase the bioavailability of these nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb.

In terms of health benefits, miso has been shown to have many positive effects on the body.

It is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.

Miso may also help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, due to its high content of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Miso is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

However, it also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin K and some Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Cornstarch vs Miso Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing cornstarch vs miso.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of cornstarch and miso and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Cornstarch vs Miso Calories

Most calories in raw grains and legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing miso vs cornstarch for weight loss, miso is slightly lower in calories, with 198 calories per 100 grams, compared to 381 calories per 100 grams of cornstarch.

However, both cornstarch and miso can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Cornstarch vs Miso Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including cornstarch and miso, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Miso offers around 98% more protein than cornstarch.

Miso has 12.8 grams of protein per 100 grams, while cornstarch has 0.3 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Cornstarch vs Miso Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in cornstarch and miso.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 72% higher in cornstarch than in miso. It have 91.3 grams per 100 grams, compared to 25.4 grams in miso.

There’s less sugar in cornstarch than in miso, 100% precisely.

One handful of cornstarch (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of miso contains 1.7 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in cornstarch and miso.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 1.5 grams of fiber per portion, miso is a better source of fiber than cornstarch which offers 0.3 grams per portion.

Cornstarch vs Miso Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, cornstarch and miso are low in fat.

Fats in cornstarch and miso are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in cornstarch and miso:

• Cornstarch: 0.1 grams per 100 grams
• Miso: 6 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, cornstarch is 100% lower in saturated fats.

Cornstarch and miso contain 0 grams and 1 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Cornstarch vs Miso Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of cornstarch and miso.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Cornstarch has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Cornstarch and miso contain the same amount of vitamin C, and vitamin D.

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins cornstarch and miso contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Cornstarch vs Miso Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the cornstarch and miso comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Cornstarch is a better source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc than miso.

Cornstarch and miso contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how cornstarch and miso compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Cornstarch and miso are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both cornstarch and miso are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in grains and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes and grains are a versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.