It Begins With a Kernel
Each corn kernel contains four major components: starch, protein, oil, and fiber. These kernel components are processed to create thousands of different products for all sorts of uses.

In the mill, kernels are broken down into their basic components, which are then transformed into the basic corn products that are used in so many of the products we love. For information about the different milling processes used to process corn into products, see Corn Processing.

The following are the basic products made from corn. Click on the each for a description and its uses.

Primary Products
Starch
Dextrose
Corn Syrups
Ethanol (For information about ethanol, see the Ethanol section.)

Additional Products Made From Corn
Solubles
Protein & Fiber
Germ

Starch
There are many food, drug, cosmetic, and industrial uses for corn starch.  The starch can also be converted into dextrose and corn syrup, both of which have multiple consumer and industrial uses.

Uses of Starch - Industrial, Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics

Industrial
Adhesives	Batteries	Bookbinding
Cleaners, Detergents	Coatings on Wood, Metal and Paper	Color Carrier in Paper and Textile Printing
Dyes	Fireworks	Crayons and Chalk
Cardboard	Lubricants	Paints
Industrial Water Recovery	Paper & Paper Products	Wallboard and Wallpaper
Molded Plastics	Rubber Tires	Oil Refining
Ore Refining	Surgical Dressing	Textiles

Food
Baby Food	Baking Products	Beer & Ale
Canned Vegetables	Chewing Gum	Confectionery
Powdered Sugar	Pancake & Waffle Mixes	Flours
Mustard	Puddings and Custards	Salad Dressing
Soups	Pet Foods	Sauces & Gravies

Drugs and Cosmetics
Antibiotics	Aspirin	Body Lotion
Drug Coatings	Lipstick	Facial Makeup
Facial Masks and Cleansers	Pharmaceuticals	Soaps and Cleansers

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Dextrose
Dextrose is a pure crystalline sugar that is created in a reaction between corn starch and an enzyme.  In addition to its food uses, dextrose has many pharmaceutical and industrial uses as well.  Dextrose, often referred to as corn sugar, is less sweet than sucrose, common table sugar.

Uses of Dextrose - Industrial, Food, Drugs

Industrial
Acetic & Amino Acids	Adhesives	Dyes
Electroplating and Galvanizing	Enzymes	Biodegradable Plastics
Leather Tanning	Lysine	Mannitol
Paper	Rubber	Textiles

Food
Bakery Products	Beer & Ale	Canned & Frozen Berries
Carbonated Beverages	Caramel Color	Catsup
Chocolate	Citric Acid	Citrus Juices
Condensed Milk	Cordials, Liqueurs and Brandy	Doughnuts
Flavoring Extracts	Fruit Juices	Gelatin
Ice Cream	Jams, Jellies and Marmalade	Peanut Butter
Seasonings	Vinegar	Wine
Yeast	Xanthan Gums	Pet Foods

Drugs
Antibiotics	Gelatin for Drug and Vitamin Capsules	Intravenous Injections
Sorbitol	Coatings for Pills	Medicinal Syrups

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Corn Syrups
Like dextrose, corn syrups are created by processing corn starch with acids or enzymes.  Corn syrups also find their way into many industrial and medical products, in either its liquid or dried form. In addition to providing sweetness, they improve foods in other ways, such as keeping baked goods from drying out too quickly.

Uses of Syrup - Industrial, Food

Industrial
Dyes and Inks	Metal Plating	Paper
Plasticizing Agents	Rayon	Shoe Polish
Textiles	Theatrical Makeup	Fermentation Processes

Food
Baby Foods	Bakery Products	Beer and Ale
Canned Fruits and Vegetables	Carbonated Beverages	Cereals
Condensed Milk	Desserts	Frostings and Icing
Ice Cream	Maple Syrup	Marshmallows
Peanut Butter	Snack Foods	Frozen and Dried Eggs

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Solubles
Solubles are made from the water in which the corn is softened during the milling process.  This steepwater is useful in the production of  antibiotics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and yeast.

Uses of Solubles - Industrial, Food, Drugs and Cosmetics

Industrial
Chemicals and Insecticides	Paint and Varnish	Rubber Substitutes
Rust Preventative	Textiles	Livestock Feed

Food
Cooking Oil	Lecithin	Margarine
Mayonnaise	Salad Dressing	Snack Foods

Drugs and Cosmetics
Antibiotics	Soap	Vitamins
Yeast	Intravenous Solutions

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Protein & Fiber (Gluten & Hulls)
The protein in corn, called gluten, can be ground into gluten meal.  Gluten meal is protein-rich and is used as animal feed primarily for poultry, swine and pet food. The fiber in corn, much of which comes from hulls, is made into a medium-energy, medium-protein feed product called corn gluten feed. It is used primarily in beef and dairy cattle rations.
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Germ
The germ can be ground into meal and makes an excellent animal feed.  About 25% of the germ is corn oil, which has food, drug, and industrial uses.
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