Out of arrowroot flour?

Arrowroot Flour substitutes

Arrowroot Flour is Fine white flour made from the arrowroot plant with neutral flavor and clear thickening properties, commonly used in baking and cooking.

Use this

Cornstarch

Use the same amount as the arrowroot flour you are replacing

Close matchBest for sauces

The best substitutes for arrowroot flour are cornstarch, tapioca starch, or potato starch, depending on your specific cooking needs and dietary requirements.

At a glance

Every arrowroot flour substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Arrowroot Flour substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of arrowroot flour, use	Result
1	Cornstarch	Same amount	Close match
2	Tapioca Starch	Same amount	Close match
3	Potato Starch	Same amount	Close match
4	Rice Flour	Same amount
5	Xanthan Gum	¼ tsp per 1 tbsp arrowroot	Different texture
6	All-Purpose Flour	2:1 (2 parts flour to 1 part arrowroot)	Different texture

Every arrowroot flour substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Cornstarch
Close match
Use the same amount
Similar starch powder with slightly different thickening properties
What changes
Best for
sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, stir-fries
More common and cheaper. Creates slightly cloudy appearance. Works well in most applications.
2. Tapioca Starch
Close match
Use the same amount
Similar starch powder with similar clear thickening properties
What changes
Best for
sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, gluten-free baking
Very similar to arrowroot. Creates clear, glossy finish. Great for gluten-free recipes.
3. Potato Starch
Close match
Use the same amount
Similar starch powder with slightly different thickening properties
What changes
Best for
sauces, gravies, puddings, gluten-free baking, thickening
Creates clear, glossy finish. Works well in cold applications. Great for gluten-free cooking.
4. Rice Flour
Use the same amount
Similar flour with different thickening properties
What changes
Best for
sauces, gravies, gluten-free baking, thickening, coating
Taste
similar
Texture
slightly different
Less effective thickener than arrowroot. May need more quantity. Great for gluten-free recipes.
5. Xanthan Gum
Different texture
Use ¼ tsp for every 1 tbsp arrowroot
Powerful thickener with different properties
What changes
Best for
sauces, gravies, gluten-free baking, emulsifying
Much more powerful than arrowroot. Use sparingly. Great for gluten-free baking.
6. All-Purpose Flour
Different texture
2:1 (2 parts flour to 1 part arrowroot)
Common thickener with different properties
What changes
Best for
sauces, gravies, baking, roux
Less effective thickener. Creates cloudy appearance. Contains gluten.

Tips for substituting arrowroot flour

Arrowroot flour is a clear, neutral-tasting thickener that creates glossy, transparent sauces
It works best when mixed with cold liquid before adding to hot mixtures
Arrowroot flour thickens at lower temperatures than cornstarch, so add it near the end of cooking
It's perfect for acidic ingredients like citrus and vinegar as it doesn't break down
Arrowroot flour creates a clear, glossy finish that's ideal for fruit pies and glazes
It's naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for gluten-free baking and cooking
Arrowroot flour doesn't re-thicken after cooling, so it's great for cold applications
It's more expensive than cornstarch but provides superior clarity and texture

Questions about arrowroot flour substitutes

What's the difference between arrowroot flour and cornstarch?

Arrowroot flour is clearer when cooked and works better with acidic ingredients, while cornstarch is more common and cheaper. Arrowroot creates a more transparent, glossy finish.

Can I use arrowroot flour for gluten-free baking?

Yes, arrowroot flour is naturally gluten-free and great for gluten-free baking and cooking. It's often used in gluten-free flour blends and recipes.

Why does my sauce turn cloudy with cornstarch but not arrowroot?

Arrowroot creates a clear, transparent finish, while cornstarch can make sauces slightly cloudy. Arrowroot is better for clear sauces and glazes.

Can I substitute arrowroot flour in any recipe that calls for cornstarch?

Yes, arrowroot flour can usually be substituted for cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. However, arrowroot works better with acidic ingredients and creates a clearer finish.

How do I prevent arrowroot flour from clumping?

Always mix arrowroot flour with cold liquid first to create a smooth paste, then gradually add it to hot mixtures while stirring constantly.

Need a different ingredient?

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Browse all substitutes More grains & starches

At a glance

Every arrowroot flour substitute

1. Cornstarch

2. Tapioca Starch

3. Potato Starch

4. Rice Flour

5. Xanthan Gum

6. All-Purpose Flour