Question: is cornstarch and baking powder the same thing?
Answer: Corn starch is a light powder made from corn used for thickening soups and sauces, and not for making baked goods rise. Baking powder is a leavening agent, made from sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, and a few weak acids. The purpose of using it is to make your baked goods rise. Baking powder is not a thickening agent.