12 Best Cornmeal Substitutes

Jun 03, 2021, Updated Oct 11, 2024

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Cornmeal is a great ingredient that is required in many recipes. But what ingredients can be used as a substitute to cornmeal?

1. Corn Flour

If you do not like the texture of cornmeal, then corn flour is a great cornmeal alternative to use. Corn flour is made out of corn, just like cornmeal, but it is ground into a fine powder, rather than a coarse one. If you use corn flour rather than cornmeal, then the food that you put it into will have a finer texture, but still, have the sweetness that cornmeal adds to many foods.

2. Grits

If you think that the texture of cornmeal is too fine, then grits are a great alternative to use. Grits are made out of corn, but they are more coarsely ground than cornmeal, so they are in bigger pieces. While this alternative may not be great to use for cookies or bread, it is a great alternative to other food products that cornmeal is added to. It is a great texture changer if you have someone in your family who is very picky about the texture of their food.

3. Almond Flour

Almond flour is a great alternative to cornmeal because it has a finer texture. It also adds a slightly nutty flavor to whatever item it is put into, which is great if you like almonds and want to add a slightly different flavor to a baked good, without changing the ingredient list very much. If you are looking to remove corn products from your diet, almond flour is a great cornmeal alternative.

4. Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a great cornmeal alternative if you are looking to change the texture of a baked good. Coconut flour lightens the texture and adds fiber to the baked goods that it is put into. Coconut flour is only slightly sweet, so you won’t add quite as much sweetness as cornmeal adds to many baked goods.

5. Wheat Flour

Wheat flour is a great alternative to cornmeal and corn flour. It is especially a great alternative if you are trying to avoid using corn products in your food, whether because of a corn allergy or a simple diet choice. Wheat flour has a similar texture to corn flour and is ground more finely than cornmeal.

While it is mainly used to thicken baked goods, it can be used to thicken soups and stews and make sure that bread does not stick to the counter while you are rolling it. However, if you use flour in your baked goods instead of cornmeal, you may have to add some extra sugar to get the expected sweetness. However, if you do not want to use wheat products, rice flour is another great cornmeal alternative to use.

6. Oats

Oats are a very healthy alternative to cornmeal. Oats contain calcium and tend to keep you fuller longer than cornmeal does, so it is a great alternative to use if you are going on a diet. If you are looking for a cornmeal alternative with a lot of texture, and one with a texture that is slightly different than cornmeal, then oats are a great way to go. However, if you are planning on using oats as a cornmeal substitute in baked goods, then you will need to grind them to the desired consistency, which may require some trial and error.

7. Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a great alternative for cornmeal because they have a similar texture, and have a similar coarseness. If you are trying to eliminate corn from your diet, but still want the texture that cornmeal adds to many baked goods, then breadcrumbs are a good choice to go with.

However, many breadcrumbs that you find at the store have added seasonings, so you may find it hard to find an unseasoned bread crumb mixture that you can add to baked goods.

Cornmeal is typically cheaper than a container of breadcrumbs, so that is a con to using breadcrumbs as a cornmeal alternative.

8. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a great substitute for cornmeal, especially if you grind it up to a similar consistency. If you are trying to eliminate corn products from your diet, but still want to enjoy a few baked goods, then ground flaxseed is a great alternative to use, especially if you are on a diet.

One tablespoon of flaxseed has 37 calories, and 2 carbs, depending on the type of flaxseed you purchase. (source) Ground flaxseed is used by many people who want to lose weight, and it will improve your digestive health. However, you should only consume 1-2 tablespoons a day, and if you have digestive issues do not consume any.

9. Nuts

When nuts are ground up, they are a great alternative to cornmeal, especially because many nuts are very healthy to eat. However, if you are using nuts as a cornmeal substitute in baked goods, they will not give the baked goods the sweetness that the cornmeal adds, so you may need to add a little bit more sugar. If you are looking for a cornmeal substitute with a different texture, then nuts are a great choice.

10. Tortilla Chips

Surprisingly, tortilla chips can be used as an alternative to cornmeal. They can be ground up to your chosen consistency. However, they may add extra and unnecessary salt to whatever food product you add it to. But if you are looking for a last-minute alternative to cornmeal, use tortilla chips.

Since most tortilla chips are made from a mixture of corn and wheat products, ground tortilla chips are a great alternative to cornmeal. If you are trying to eliminate corn products from your diet, then it is possible to find tortilla chips without corn.

11. Cereal

Cereal, depending on what type of cereal you use, is a great alternative to cornmeal. When cereal is ground to the right consistency, it gives baked goods a texture that is similar to the texture achieved when cornmeal is used. I recommend using cereals that have a high flour content because they are likely to have less sugar content than many cereal options. If you are looking for a last-minute alternative to cornmeal, cereal is an excellent choice.

12. Polenta

Polenta is very similar to cornmeal, so it is a great substitute. Polenta is made out of corn, like cornmeal, but it has a finer texture and is oftentimes made into a hot porridge. If you are looking for a cornmeal alternative with a finer texture, but still want the added sweetness that cornmeal gives to many baked goods, then polenta is a great alternative to use.