Flour Substitutes for Gravy

Gravy substitute

Cornstarch

Use 2 tbsp flour for every 1 tbsp cornstarch

Best for gravies

The best flour substitutes for gravy are cornstarch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour), arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour), or tapioca starch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour). Cornstarch provides the most similar thickening power.

Compare all 6 gravy substitutes

Find the best flour substitutes for thickening gravy. Learn about cornstarch, arrowroot, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.

Other gravy substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Arrowroot Powder
Use 2 tbsp flour for every 1 tbsp arrowroot
Arrowroot powder is an excellent flour substitute for gravy.
What changes
It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce.
Best for
gravies, sauces, when you want clear sauce, gluten-free cooking
Taste
neutral
Texture
clear
Mix arrowroot with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Arrowroot provides 2x the thickening power of flour.
3Tapioca Starch
Use 2 tbsp flour for every 1 tbsp tapioca
Tapioca starch is a good flour substitute for gravy.
What changes
It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce.
Best for
gravies, sauces, when you want clear sauce, gluten-free cooking
Taste
neutral
Texture
clear
Mix tapioca starch with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Tapioca provides 2x the thickening power of flour.
4Potato Starch
Use 2 tbsp flour for every 1 tbsp potato starch
Potato starch is a good flour substitute for gravy.
What changes
It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce.
Best for
gravies, sauces, when you want clear sauce, gluten-free cooking
Taste
neutral
Texture
clear
Mix potato starch with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Potato starch provides 2x the thickening power of flour.
5Xanthan Gum
Use 2 tbsp flour for every ¼ tsp xanthan
Xanthan gum is a powerful flour substitute for gravy.
What changes
It provides excellent thickening power and creates a smooth, stable sauce.
Best for
gravies, sauces, when you want smooth texture, gluten-free cooking
Taste
neutral
Texture
smooth
Add xanthan gum gradually to hot liquid while whisking. It provides 8x the thickening power of flour, so use sparingly.
6Rice Flour
Use the same amount
Rice flour is a good flour substitute for gravy.
What changes
It provides similar thickening power and creates a slightly cloudy sauce.
Best for
gravies, sauces, when you want similar texture, gluten-free cooking
Taste
neutral
Texture
cloudy
Rice flour provides similar thickening power to wheat flour. Add gradually to hot liquid while whisking to avoid lumps.

How it behaves in this recipe

Flour is used to thicken gravies and create a smooth, creamy texture. When substituting, consider whether you want a clear sauce (starch) or a cloudy sauce (flour), and adjust the amount based on the thickening power of the substitute.

Cooking tips

Cornstarch provides the most similar thickening power to flour
Mix starch substitutes with cold water first to avoid lumps
Add thickeners gradually to hot liquid while whisking
Simmer until thickened to desired consistency
Starch substitutes create clearer sauces than flour
Xanthan gum is very powerful, so use sparingly
Store starch substitutes in a cool, dry place

Notes on gravy

For a completely different approach, try using other thickeners like pureed vegetables or cream
In some applications, you could use a combination of different thickeners for layered texture
For natural options, consider using reduced broths or pureed ingredients

Frequently asked questions

What's the best flour substitute for gravy?

Cornstarch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) is the best flour substitute for gravy. Arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) is also excellent, while tapioca starch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) provides similar results.

Can I use cornstarch instead of flour in gravy?

Yes, cornstarch is an excellent flour substitute for gravy. Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons flour. Mix with cold water first, then add to hot liquid.

How much cornstarch equals 2 tablespoons flour?

Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons flour. Cornstarch provides 2x the thickening power of flour, so you need half the amount.

What's the difference between flour and cornstarch in gravy?

Flour creates a cloudy, opaque gravy, while cornstarch creates a clear, glossy gravy. Cornstarch also provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Can I use arrowroot instead of flour in gravy?

Yes, arrowroot powder is an excellent flour substitute for gravy. Use 1 tablespoon arrowroot for every 2 tablespoons flour. Mix with cold water first, then add to hot liquid.

Why use cornstarch instead of flour in gravy?

Cornstarch creates a clearer, glossier gravy and provides 2x the thickening power of flour. It's also gluten-free and creates a more stable sauce.

Can I make gravy without flour or cornstarch?

Yes, you can make gravy without flour or cornstarch by using other thickeners like arrowroot, tapioca starch, or xanthan gum. You can also reduce the liquid to thicken naturally.

Flour Substitutes for Gravy

Other gravy substitutes

2Arrowroot Powder

3Tapioca Starch

4Potato Starch

5Xanthan Gum

6Rice Flour