Argo: the American cornstarch that thickens, binds and transforms your recipes!

In every American kitchen cupboard, there's a tub of Argo cornstarch. For more than a century, Argo Corn Starch has been THE American go-to for thickening sauces, binding custards, lightening cakes and nailing authentic American recipes. A simple, low-key, flavorless product — and yet completely essential the moment you want to cook the American way. My American Market brings it to you straight from the States!

Did you know Argo is named after a village near Chicago?

In 1910, the Corn Products Refining Company built a huge plant in Summit, on the outskirts of Chicago. The site was called Argo — and that's the name the company adopted for its products. A fun alternative theory: a name starting with "A" showed up at the top of every alphabetical price list, ahead of rival Kingsford's! Today Argo belongs to ACH Food Companies and remains the most respected cornstarch brand in the American food industry.

So what exactly is cornstarch?

Cornstarch is an extra-fine white powder extracted from corn, almost completely flavorless and colorless. In the kitchen it mainly works as a thickener — but it behaves very differently from flour: it gives you glossy, translucent sauces (perfect for Asian-style sauces!), ultra-smooth custards and lighter cakes. And here's the key: it has twice the thickening power of flour — so use half as much!

How to use Argo Corn Starch

Golden rule: always dissolve the cornstarch in a cold liquid before adding it to a hot one — otherwise you get instant lumps!

Sauces and gravies: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water = the perfect thickener for any sauce. Glossy, translucent results, never floury!

American pies and tarts: the secret to the perfect filling! Cornstarch stops the fruit juice from turning the crust soggy. Essential for apple pie, cherry pie, blueberry pie...

Crispy chicken: coat your chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying — ultra-crispy results, just like an Asian restaurant or American fried chicken!

Lighter cakes: swap 2 tablespoons of flour for cornstarch in your cakes — the texture comes out lighter and airier.

Argo Baking Powder: Argo's American baking powder, also available at MYAM. American baking powder is measured differently from European sachets — roughly 1 teaspoon per 125g of flour as a rule of thumb.

Frequently asked questions about Argo

What's the difference with cornflour?

It's the same thing! "Cornflour" is what many Europeans call it; Argo is the American cornstarch brand. The formula is identical — it's simply the name American recipes reach for when they call for "cornstarch".

Where to buy Argo in Europe?

Argo Corn Starch is impossible to find in regular European stores. My American Market, the No.1 online American grocery store, brings it to you straight from the States. Express delivery!

Into authentic American baking? Check out Crisco, Jiffy and Baker's in our shop too!

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