Whether you’re out of cornstarch or trying to avoid it due to dietary restrictions, there are many effective alternatives you can use in your cooking and baking. Cornstarch is a common thickening agent used in sauces, soups, pie fillings, and other recipes, but it isn’t the only option. Many everyday ingredients can perform a similar function with equally satisfying results. Depending on what you’re making, your replacement choice may affect the final texture or flavor. Learning what to use instead of cornstarch will help you maintain consistency in your dishes without compromising quality.
Why Replace Cornstarch?
There are several reasons people might look for substitutes for cornstarch:
- Dietary needs: Some avoid corn products due to allergies or intolerances.
- Availability: Cornstarch might not be readily available in every pantry.
- Nutrition: Cornstarch is a refined carbohydrate with little nutritional value.
- Preference: Some cooks prefer more natural or whole food alternatives.
Fortunately, there are many substitutes that work well in most recipes, offering flexibility and adaptability in the kitchen.
All-Purpose Flour
Best For: Sauces, gravies, soups, and stews
All-purpose flour is one of the most common and accessible alternatives to cornstarch. It has roughly half the thickening power of cornstarch, so you’ll need to use about twice as much flour.
- Replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of flour.
- Cook the flour thoroughly to remove its raw taste.
Flour creates a more opaque finish and a slightly heavier texture compared to the glossy finish of cornstarch-based sauces.
Arrowroot Powder
Best For: Clear sauces, fruit glazes, and gluten-free cooking
Arrowroot is a gluten-free thickener derived from tropical plants. It has a neutral taste and forms a clear, glossy gel, making it ideal for fruit sauces and Asian-style recipes.
- Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing cornstarch with arrowroot.
- Do not boil arrowroot-thickened sauces as it can break down the thickening effect.
Arrowroot works well in acidic recipes and doesn’t cloud your dish like flour can.
Potato Starch
Best For: Baking, sauces, and soups
Potato starch is another excellent gluten-free option and has similar thickening power to cornstarch. It tolerates higher temperatures and provides a smooth, neutral result.
- Replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of potato starch.
- Add it near the end of cooking to prevent breakdown.
It’s ideal for recipes that need to maintain a clean flavor and smooth texture.
Tapioca Starch (Tapioca Flour)
Best For: Pie fillings, puddings, and glossy sauces
Derived from the cassava root, tapioca starch is a favorite in gluten-free baking. It creates a chewy texture in baked goods and a glossy, stable finish in sauces.
- Replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour.
- Can be used in both hot and cold applications.
Tapioca is especially popular in fruit pies and tropical desserts.
Rice Flour
Best For: Asian recipes, stir-fry sauces, and light batters
Rice flour is another substitute that works well in sauces and fried foods. It thickens quickly and has a light texture, ideal for delicate sauces.
- Use 2 tablespoons of rice flour for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Mix it with water before adding to hot liquids to prevent lumps.
Rice flour is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is naturally gluten-free.
Ground Flaxseed
Best For: Vegan baking and thick smoothies
When mixed with water, ground flaxseeds form a gel-like texture that can be used as a thickener or egg substitute.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Let it sit for several minutes to thicken before using.
This method is great in smoothies, pancakes, or baked goods that benefit from added fiber and omega-3s.
Glucomannan
Best For: Keto and low-carb diets
Glucomannan is a fiber extracted from konjac root and has a powerful thickening ability. A little goes a long way, making it suitable for low-carb and keto recipes.
- Use only 1/2 teaspoon for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Mix with cold water before adding to hot liquids to avoid clumping.
It’s calorie-free and adds a smooth texture without altering flavor.
Xanthan Gum
Best For: Gluten-free baking and sauces
Xanthan gum is a thickener commonly used in gluten-free baking and processed foods. It has high thickening power, so small amounts are enough.
- Use 1/8 teaspoon to replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Blend well to prevent lumps, preferably with a whisk or blender.
Because of its strength, xanthan gum is best used in recipes that need structure and elasticity.
Gelatin
Best For: Desserts and thickened cold dishes
Gelatin can be used to thicken desserts like panna cotta, jelly, or mousse. It forms a firm texture when chilled, but it’s not suitable for all savory dishes.
- Use 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin to replace 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Must be dissolved in warm water before using.
Note that gelatin is not vegetarian or vegan, so it may not be suitable for all diets.
Choosing the Right Substitute
When deciding what to use instead of cornstarch, consider the following factors:
- Dietary needs: Gluten-free, low-carb, vegan, etc.
- Dish type: Is it a soup, sauce, pie filling, or batter?
- Flavor profile: Some substitutes have a stronger taste than cornstarch.
- Texture: Some options produce glossy finishes, others matte or creamy textures.
Each substitute has its own advantages, so feel free to experiment with different options to see what works best for your cooking style and needs.
Replacing cornstarch doesn’t have to be complicated. With plenty of reliable and accessible substitutes like all-purpose flour, arrowroot, potato starch, and tapioca, you can easily adapt any recipe without missing a beat. Whether you’re thickening a sauce, baking a pie, or creating a pudding, understanding which ingredient to use instead of cornstarch will help you maintain the ideal texture and consistency in your dish. Choose the right thickener based on your dietary preferences, the type of recipe, and the desired result. With these alternatives in your kitchen toolkit, you’ll always have a solution at hand.