Out of Arrowroot powder, one case
Arrowroot powder substitutes for thickening
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cornstarch
Same amount as the arrowroot powder
For thickening, the best arrowroot powder substitutes are Cornstarch (1:1), Tapioca Starch (1:1), or Potato Starch (1:1). Each provides excellent thickening properties for sauces and gravies.
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full arrowroot card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of arrowroot powder |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornstarchsauces | Same amount |
| 2 | Tapioca starchsauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Potato starchsauces | Same amount |
| 4 | Rice floursauces | 2 × the amount |
| 5 | Xanthan gumsauces | ¼ × the amount |
Cornstarch
neutral taste · opaque, thick
Traditional thickening agent that provides excellent thickening properties. Creates opaque sauces and works well in most applications.
- Best for
- sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, when you want opaque texture
Cornstarch provides excellent thickening properties and works well in most applications. Use in equal amounts to arrowroot powder.
Tapioca starch
neutral taste · clear, glossy
Starch made from cassava root that provides excellent thickening properties. Creates clear, glossy sauces.
- Best for
- sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, when you want clear texture
Tapioca starch provides excellent thickening properties and creates clear, glossy sauces. Use in equal amounts to arrowroot powder.
Potato starch
neutral taste, thick texture
Starch made from potatoes that provides good thickening properties. Works well in most applications.
- Best for
- sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, when you want good thickening
Potato starch provides good thickening properties and works well in most applications. Use in equal amounts to arrowroot powder.
Rice flour
neutral taste, thick texture
Flour made from ground rice that provides thickening properties. Good for gluten-free applications.
- Best for
- sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, when you want gluten-free thickening
Rice flour provides thickening properties and works well in gluten-free applications. Use twice the amount of arrowroot powder.
Xanthan gum
neutral taste · thick, binding
Powdered gum that provides excellent thickening properties. Good for gluten-free applications and when you need strong thickening.
- Best for
- sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, when you need strong thickening
Xanthan gum provides excellent thickening properties and works well in gluten-free applications. Use ¼ the amount of arrowroot powder.
How it behaves in this recipe
For thickening, arrowroot powder substitutes must provide similar thickening properties. The recommended substitutes work because they can create the desired consistency in sauces, gravies, and other dishes while maintaining similar functionality.
Tips for substituting arrowroot powder
7 tips- Arrowroot powder creates clear, glossy sauces when used for thickening
- Mix arrowroot powder with cold liquid before adding to hot liquids
- Arrowroot powder thickens at lower temperatures than cornstarch
- Arrowroot powder works well in acidic dishes for thickening
- Store arrowroot powder in a cool, dry place
- Arrowroot powder is gluten-free and paleo-friendly
- Arrowroot powder can be used in both sweet and savory dishes for thickening
Notes on arrowroot powder
- Combine different thickeners for balanced properties
- Use thickeners for only part of the thickening in a recipe
- Add extra binding agents like eggs for better structure
- Use thickeners in recipes specifically designed for them
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best arrowroot powder substitute for thickening?
Cornstarch or tapioca starch work best for thickening as they provide excellent thickening properties. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
Can I use cornstarch instead of arrowroot powder for thickening?
Yes, cornstarch can substitute for arrowroot powder for thickening using a 1:1 ratio. It creates opaque sauces and works well in most applications.
Why is arrowroot powder good for thickening?
Arrowroot powder is good for thickening because it creates clear, glossy sauces and works well in acidic dishes. It's also gluten-free and thickens at lower temperatures.
Can I use tapioca starch instead of arrowroot powder for thickening?
Yes, tapioca starch can work as a substitute for arrowroot powder for thickening. It provides excellent thickening properties and creates clear, glossy sauces.
How do I use arrowroot powder for thickening?
Mix arrowroot powder with cold liquid before adding to hot liquids. It thickens at lower temperatures than cornstarch and works well in acidic dishes.