What Are the Different Types of Maize Products?

A wide variety of products are derived from maize, including baby powder, cosmetics and golf tees. Maize, more commonly known as corn, is also used to create a form of plastic for use in items such as pens, coffee mugs and ice scrapers. Maize products also include foods, from corn oil to popcorn and muffins. Biofuels, such as ethanol, are also maize products.

Biodegradable golf tees are maize products made from degradable corn polymers. The are touted as lasting more than twice as long and biodegrading three times faster than traditional wooden tees. Maize products also include clothing, such as caps and shirts.

Maize products are made from a corn-based form of plastics, which are used to create products such as note pad holders, screwdriver handles and luggage tags. The corn-based plastic also is used to create letter openers, travel mugs and ice scrapers. Pens and rulers are also made from the plastic. Cosmetics often feature maize in the form of finely-ground corn cobs.

Corn syrup is one of the many maize products often found in foods, including hard candies. Sodas, including some root beers and colas, also contain corn syrup. Some condiments, such as ketchup and mayonnaise, as well as some breakfast cereals, breakfast pastries and syrups also contain corn syrup. Many types of ice cream, salad dressings and sauces contain corn syrup.

Maize is a staple in some baked goods such as corn muffins, cornbread and breads. Made from maize, corn starch and corn flour are found in many cookies. Corn oil and popcorn are also maize products. Indian maize pancakes, maize bake and enchiladas are also maize products. Corn chips, polenta and nacho chips are also made from maize. Other food products made with corn include potato chips, peanut butter and margarine. Some cheese spreads and chewing gum also feature maize.

Maize products are also used in the brewing process, and liquid corn syrup and corn sugar are common ingredients in beer. Corn is also an ingredient in whiskey and cornmeal beer. Some crayons, chalk and fireworks also contain maize.

Corn starch is used in food, as well as a variety of other products, such as adhesives and coatings. A synthetic chemical paired with corn starch has extreme absorbent capabilities, able to absorb up to 2,000 times its weight in water. It’s also used in batteries as an electrical conductor and in wound dressings and fuel filters.