Cornstarch vs Tempeh: What’s The Difference?

Although cornstarch and tempeh belong to different food groups, while cornstarch belong is a grain, and tempeh 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 tempeh, 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 tempeh 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.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans.

It is a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to its high protein and fiber content, as well as its distinctive, nutty flavor.

Tempeh is made by fermenting cooked soybeans with a starter culture, which gives it a firm, cake-like texture, and a unique flavor.

It can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, including tempeh stir-fries, tempeh sandwiches, and tempeh bacon.

In addition to being a tasty and nutritious food, tempeh has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.

It is a good source of antioxidants and has been linked to lower levels of cholesterol and improved blood sugar control.

Tempeh is also a good source of several important minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Tempeh is an excellent source of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin K.

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin E.

Cornstarch vs Tempeh 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 tempeh.

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

Cornstarch vs Tempeh 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 tempeh vs cornstarch for weight loss, tempeh is slightly lower in calories, with 192 calories per 100 grams, compared to 381 calories per 100 grams of cornstarch.

However, both cornstarch and tempeh 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 Tempeh Protein

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

Tempeh offers around 99% more protein than cornstarch.

Tempeh has 20.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, while cornstarch has 0.3 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Cornstarch vs Tempeh 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 tempeh.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 92% higher in cornstarch than in tempeh. It have 91.3 grams per 100 grams, compared to 7.6 grams in tempeh.

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

One handful of cornstarch (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of tempeh contains 2.1 grams.

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

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

With 2.6 grams of fiber per portion, tempeh is a better source of fiber than cornstarch which offers 0.3 grams per portion.

Cornstarch vs Tempeh Fats

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

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

Total fat in cornstarch and tempeh:

• Cornstarch: 0.1 grams per 100 grams
• Tempeh: 10.8 per 100 grams

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

Cornstarch and tempeh contain 0 grams and 2.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Cornstarch vs Tempeh Vitamins Content

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

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 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 tempeh contain the same amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D.

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

Cornstarch vs Tempeh 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 tempeh comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Cornstarch is a better source of calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc than tempeh.

On the other hand, tempeh is a higher amount of selenium.

Cornstarch and tempeh contain the same amount of sodium.

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

The Final Word

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

Both cornstarch and tempeh 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.