What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow Cornmeal? - Martha White® (2024)

Not sure how to choose between white cornmeal or yellow cornmeal? Maybe you’ve heard that yellow cornmeal is sweeter than white? Or that white cornmeal is more refined? It’s actually a whole lot simpler than that.

The only substantial difference between white cornmeal and yellow cornmeal is right there in the names: their colors. The two varieties get their hues from nothing more than the different colors of the kernels of corn from which they are ground. In terms of recipes and cooking methods, the two can be used more or less interchangeably.

Beyond that, however, there are some traditions and preferences that tend to separate them. Historically, yellow cornmeal has been more popular in New England and the northern states, where it is the foundation of old regional recipes like Indian Pudding, Spider Cake, and Johnnycakes. It’s also the preferred cornmeal in Texas, where it’s used in cornbread for sopping up chili.

Southerners, on the other hand, tend to prefer white cornmeal. Many people believe that it is because, in the old South, families used white cornmeal as it more closely resembled “fancy” European wheat flour. In any case, today it remains a main component in traditional Southern buttermilk cornbread. White cornmeal is also often milled to a finer grind than yellow cornmeal, which is another thing that gives baked goods made with it a more refined, less rustic texture.

The one concrete difference between corn meals may be that, according to somestudies, meal ground from darker corn kernels—particularly ones with deep orange, yellow, or purple hues—are richer in nutrients like Vitamin A and beta carotene and therefore slightly more nutritious. But when it comes to cooking, you can safely follow your own tastes and preferences—they’ll all be delicious!

What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow Cornmeal? - Martha White® (2024)

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between White and Yellow Cornmeal? - Martha White®? ›

The only substantial difference between white cornmeal and yellow cornmeal is right there in the names: their colors. The two varieties get their hues from nothing more than the different colors of the kernels of corn from which they are ground.

Which is better, white or yellow corn meal? ›

Though some people believe that yellow corn is sweeter, that's not the case. The only difference is that the naturally occurring pigment that makes those kernels yellow, beta carotene, gives them a bit of a nutritional edge over white corn—beta carotene turns into vitamin A during digestion.

Is Martha White yellow cornbread Mix sweet? ›

Serve pieces of this classic Southern comfort food in minutes for sweet and cakey cornbread that will be a favorite for all.

What is Martha White Hot Rize cornmeal mix? ›

Get cooking with Martha White Self Rising Corn Meal Mix with Hot Rize, made from dried ground corn for a texture that is perfect for baking and cooking. Cornmeal is the quintessential southern ingredient and can be used in all sorts of recipes from entrees and side dishes to baked goods and desserts.

What is the best cornmeal brand for cornbread? ›

If you're in the market for something authentic, try Anson Mills Antebellum Fine Yellow Cornmeal. The cornmeal is top-rated by America's Test Kitchen and produces moist baked goods and unparalleled cornbread.

Should I use yellow or white cornmeal for cornbread? ›

Traditional southern cornbread is a staple in the south and is classically made from white cornmeal, although yellow cornmeal can be used, and cooked in a pre-heated cast iron skillet.

Which makes better cornbread, white or yellow cornmeal? ›

Southerners, on the other hand, tend to prefer white cornmeal. Many people believe that it is because, in the old South, families used white cornmeal as it more closely resembled “fancy” European wheat flour. In any case, today it remains a main component in traditional Southern buttermilk cornbread.

How to make Martha White cornbread mix better? ›

Here are ten of our favorite no-fail combinations; give them a shot—or feel free to experiment on your own!
  1. Bacon and scallion. ...
  2. Green chile and cheddar cheese. ...
  3. Crumbled sausage and poultry seasoning. ...
  4. Fresh corn and basil. ...
  5. Pepperoni, parmesan, and black pepper. ...
  6. Spicy shrimp and creole seasoning. ...
  7. Brown sugar and pecan.

Why is my Martha White cornbread crumbly? ›

Cornmeal gives cornbread its classic color and flavor, but too much can make your bread crumbly. Try replacing a little bit of cornmeal with flour. The specific measurements will depend on how much cornmeal and flour is in your recipe, but you should try to have more flour than cornmeal in your batter.

Can you put an egg in Martha White cornbread mix? ›

Combine cornbread mix, 1 egg, 2/3 cup milk in a small mixing bowl; stir until smooth. Pour into hot pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Does white and yellow cornmeal taste different? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE: Feel free to use white and yellow cornmeal interchangeably in recipes since flavor differences are minor. Just be sure to pay attention to the grind.

Does Martha White Cornmeal Mix have flour in it? ›

Enriched Bolted White Corn Meal And Enriched Flour And Enriched Degerminated White Corn Meal (Bolted White Corn Meal, Wheat Flour, Degerminated White Corn Meal, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Leavening (Baking Soda, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate), ...

What is in Martha White Sweet Yellow cornbread Mix? ›

Enriched Bleached Flour And Enriched Degerminated Yellow Corn Meal (Wheat Flour, Degerminated Yellow Corn Meal, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Canola Oil, Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Calcium Phosphate), Contains 2% Or Less Of: Salt, Corn Starch.

Is there a difference between cornmeal and cornbread? ›

No. Cornbread made with cornmeal, but the two aren't the same thing. To achieve a golden loaf of cornbread, it takes more than just cornmeal.

What is the difference between Yankee cornbread and Southern cornbread? ›

The thing that distinguishes Southern cornbread from, say Yankee cornbread, or any other cornbread one is likely to eat outside of the southern states, is that it is savory, not sweet, and it is made mostly with cornmeal.

Why is white corn better than yellow corn? ›

Turns out, it's a trick question! There's no difference between yellow and white corn, except in the color of the kernels. That's right — there's no difference in size of ears or taste of the corn between white, yellow, and bicolor varieties.

What are the benefits of white corn meal? ›

Corn, and cornmeal, has been found to improve cardiovascular health and lowering cholesterol levels. Cornmeal is relatively high in selenium—one cup has 18.9mcg, or 34% of your daily recommended value—which has been found to lower coronary heart disease risk.

Is white corn meal healthy? ›

Cornmeal is an excellent source of fibre and selenium. Also, it contains all the essential nutrients required by the human body. Due to its high fibre content, it is good for heart health. It lowers the cholesterol level in the body, making it heart-healthy.

Which has more sugar white or yellow corn? ›

Myth: Yellow corn is sweeter than white.

Fact: All colors of corn are equally sweet. Explanation: The color of corn is an indication of its carotene content, not its sugar content.

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