All grains contain starches in varying degrees. The starches found in corn are relatively easy to extract and purify, making cornstarch an inexpensive ingredient for American cooks and bakers. Cornstarch, like other culinary starches, is primarily used as a thickener and stabilizer for liquids. When moistened and heated, starch molecules expand and unwind, and begin to bond together in networks as the currents in the hot liquid move them around. Eventually, when enough bonds are formed, this three-dimensional molecular mesh begins to immobilize liquid, in much the way a sponge does. This provides the familiar thickening action.

The effect of baking powder is very different from the effect of cornstarch, and reflects their different purposes. Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda, which is alkaline, with cream of tartar, which is an acid. Most brands also include other ingredients as "buffers," which prevent the two main ingredients from reacting to each other prematurely. When baking powder is moistened and heated, the baking soda and cream of tartar react by forming carbon dioxide gas. When this is trapped in the food, it creates bubbles which raise and lighten the texture of the food.

Corn starch is almost invariably used to thicken sauces, gravies and occasionally soups. In each case, the method is very similar. Whisk the cornstarch into cold water or other liquid, until well mixed. Stir it into the food to be thickened, and gently raise the temperature. As the food reaches 150 F, the thickening effect begins, peaking at 180 F. Cornstarch produces a relatively clear gel, making it suitable for glossy sauces. Once the sauce has thickened, stir it as little as possible, and don't let it come to a boil. Otherwise, the thickening effect begins to break down.

Baking powder, as the name suggests, is primarily used for baking. However, its leavening effect is also of use to cooks. This is especially true in the case of pancakes and waffles, which rely on baking powder to make them light and fluffy. Baking powder is also used in most recipes for American-style dumplings, the kind served with stews or chicken and dumplings. It is also used in the tiny German dumplings called spaetzle. Some recipes also call for baking powder in less obvious places, such as Middle Eastern falafels and other fritter-like fried foods.