Tapioca starch substitutes
Tapioca starch substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cornstarch
Same amount as the tapioca starch
Similar thickening power and texture.
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder are the best substitutes for tapioca starch.
Tapioca starch, ground from cassava root, is a pure starch that thickens a hot liquid and leaves it clear and glossy - pie fillings, sauces, chewy Asian puddings. Thickening is all it does: it adds no flavour, and a filling thickened with it stays sliceable-looking but soft, because a starch thickens without ever truly setting.
- Best for —
- Thickening sauces, gravies, puddings
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
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- Thickeningprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tapioca starch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CornstarchThickening sauces, gravies, puddings | Same amount |
| 2 | Arrowroot powderWhen you want natural alternative | Same amount |
| 3 | Potato starchThickening, when you want similar texture | Same amount |
| 4 | Rice flourGluten-free recipes | Same amount |
| 5 | All-purpose flourWhen you need a common substitute | 2 parts for every 1 partUse twice as much |
Cornstarch
Similar thickening power and texture
- Covers
- Thickening
- Best for
- Thickening sauces, gravies, puddings
Use the same amount as tapioca starch.
Arrowroot powder
Natural thickener with similar properties
- Covers
- Thickening
- Best for
- When you want natural alternative
Use the same amount as tapioca starch.
Potato starch
Similar thickening power
- Covers
- Thickening
- Best for
- Thickening, when you want similar texture
Use the same amount as tapioca starch.
Rice flour
Gluten-free thickener
All-purpose flour
Common thickener, more readily available
- Covers
- Thickening
- Best for
- When you need a common substitute
Use twice as much flour as tapioca starch.
Questions
2 questionsWhat is tapioca starch used for?
Tapioca starch is used for thickening sauces, making gluten-free breads, and creating chewy textures in Asian desserts.
Is tapioca starch the same as tapioca flour?
Yes, tapioca starch and tapioca flour are the same product, just different names.
Tips for substituting tapioca starch
3 tips- Tapioca starch is made from the cassava root
- It creates a clear, glossy texture when cooked
- Great for gluten-free baking and Asian cooking