Out of Potato starch, one case
Vegan potato starch substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cornstarch
Same amount as the potato starch
All common potato starch substitutes are naturally vegan! The best vegan alternatives are cornstarch (1:1 ratio), arrowroot powder (1:1 ratio), tapioca starch (1:1 ratio), or rice flour (2:1 ratio). All are plant-based and work well in vegan cooking.
- Best for —
- vegan sauces
One casethe full potato starch card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of potato starch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornstarchvegan sauces | Same amount |
| 2 | Arrowroot powderfruit sauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Tapioca starchvegan bread | Same amount |
| 4 | Rice flourvegan baking | 2 × the amount |
| 5 | Xanthan gumvegan sauces | ¼ tsp per cup of liquid |
Cornstarch
neutral taste · smooth and creamy
Made from corn kernels, this plant-based thickener works excellently in all vegan recipes and is widely available
- Best for
- vegan sauces, gravies, puddings, pie fillings, frying, baking
Most versatile vegan substitute, works in all applications.
Arrowroot powder
neutral taste · clear and glossy
Natural plant-based starch that creates clear, glossy sauces good for vegan cooking and works well with acidic ingredients
- Best for
- fruit sauces, vegan cheese sauces, clear soups, puddings, gluten-free vegan baking
Good for clear vegan sauces and acidic dishes.
Tapioca starch
neutral taste · smooth and chewy
Extracted from cassava root, this plant-based starch creates smooth, chewy textures good for vegan baking and dairy-free alternatives
- Best for
- vegan bread, chewy cookies, vegan cheese, puddings, pie fillings
Excellent for vegan baking and chewy textures.
Rice flour
neutral taste, slightly grainy texture
Plant-based flour that works well in vegan cooking and baking, though it requires more quantity for thickening
- Best for
- vegan baking, thickening soups, coating for frying, gluten-free vegan recipes
Use twice as much rice flour as potato starch.
Xanthan gum
neutral taste · binding and smooth
Plant-based gum that provides excellent binding and thickening properties for vegan recipes
- Best for
- vegan sauces, dairy-free dressings, vegan ice cream, binding agents
Powerful vegan binder and thickener.
How it behaves in this recipe
Potato starch is naturally vegan, and all its common substitutes are also plant-based. This makes it easy to maintain a vegan diet while using any of these alternatives. The key is choosing the right substitute for the specific application - cornstarch for versatility, arrowroot for clear sauces, tapioca for chewy textures, and rice flour for gluten-free vegan baking.
Tips for substituting potato starch
8 tips- All common starch substitutes are naturally vegan and plant-based
- Cornstarch is the most versatile and works in virtually all vegan recipes
- Arrowroot powder is good for clear vegan sauces and works well with plant-based milks
- Tapioca starch is excellent for vegan cheese recipes and creates authentic textures
- Rice flour works well in gluten-free vegan baking and provides good structure
- Xanthan gum is essential for vegan ice cream and helps create creamy textures
- For vegan gravies, cornstarch creates the best consistency and mouthfeel
- In vegan baking, combine multiple starches for best results and texture
Notes on potato starch
- Use ground flaxseed mixed with water as a natural vegan binder and egg substitute
- Try psyllium husk powder for extra binding power in vegan bread recipes
- Use pureed vegetables like cooked carrots or squash for natural thickening
- Consider using aquafaba (chickpea water) as a natural thickener and binder
Questions
6 questionsAre all potato starch substitutes vegan?
Yes, all common potato starch substitutes (cornstarch, arrowroot, tapioca starch, rice flour) are naturally vegan and plant-based. They're good for vegan cooking and baking.
What's the best vegan substitute for potato starch in sauces?
Cornstarch is the best vegan substitute for potato starch in sauces. It creates smooth, creamy textures and works well with plant-based milks and broths. Use a 1:1 ratio.
Can I use arrowroot powder in vegan cooking?
Yes, arrowroot powder is excellent for vegan cooking, especially for clear sauces and acidic dishes. It works well with plant-based ingredients and creates professional-looking results.
What's the best substitute for potato starch in vegan baking?
For vegan baking, tapioca starch is excellent for chewy textures, cornstarch for tender cakes, and arrowroot for clear fillings. Combine them for best results in complex recipes.
Can I use rice flour instead of potato starch in vegan recipes?
Yes, rice flour works well in vegan recipes, especially for gluten-free vegan baking. Use twice as much rice flour as potato starch (2:1 ratio) for proper thickening.
What's the best thickener for vegan cheese sauces?
Tapioca starch is excellent for vegan cheese sauces as it creates the smooth, stretchy texture that mimics dairy cheese. Arrowroot powder also works well for creamy sauces.