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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder, Potato starch and Rice flour are the easiest swaps. Below: 6 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Arrowroot powder. Use the same amount. Works at lower temps. Clearer than starch.

Adjust: Do not use with dairy — turns slimy. Add at the end.

  1. Arrowroot powder

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Works at lower temps. Clearer than starch.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Clear, glossy.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Do not use with dairy — turns slimy. Add at the end.
    Best for
    Fruit sauces, Acidic sauces

    gluten free

  2. Potato starch

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Similar thickening power. Breaks down at high heat.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Glossy.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Do not boil vigorously once thickened.
    Best for
    Gravies, Kosher cooking

    gluten free

  3. Rice flour

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Silky, neutral. Works in Asian cooking.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Smooth.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Slightly gritty if undercooked.
    Best for
    Asian sauces, Battering

    gluten free

  4. All-purpose flour

    Small adjustment

    Use 2× the amount (ratio 2:1)

    Use 2 tbsp flour for 1 tbsp cornstarch.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Less shiny, slightly grainier.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Cook 2 min longer to remove raw flour taste.
    Best for
    Gravies, Sauces, Fruit pies

  5. Tapioca starch/flour

    Small adjustment

    Use 2× the amount (ratio 2:1)

    2 tbsp tapioca = 1 tbsp cornstarch.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Stringy when over-thickened.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Do not freeze — becomes spongy.
    Best for
    Pies, Fruit fillings

    gluten free

  6. Glucomannan (konjac)

    Technique swap

    Use 1/60 of the amount (ratio 1:60)

    Tiny amounts thicken. Use 1/8 tsp for 2 tbsp cornstarch worth.

    Flavor
    Neutral.
    Texture
    Clear, thick.
    Moisture
    Very concentrated.
    Adjust
    Bloom in cold liquid first. Very easy to over-thicken.
    Best for
    Keto sauces, Ice cream

    gluten free · keto · vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Works at lower temps. Clearer than starch.

What is a vegan substitute for cornstarch?

Good vegan options are Glucomannan (konjac).

What is a gluten-free substitute for cornstarch?

Good gluten-free options are Arrowroot powder, Potato starch, Rice flour and Tapioca starch/flour.

How much should I use instead of cornstarch?

It depends on the swap. Arrowroot powder: Use the same amount. Potato starch: Use the same amount. Rice flour: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use cornstarch

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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