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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 Best Arrowroot Flour Substitutes

Good replacements for Arrowroot Flour include Cornstarch, Potato Starch, Xanthan Gum, All-Purpose Flour, and Tapioca Starch.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is an ingredient found in many pantries, but what exactly is it?

For cooking, Potato Starch also works well - adjust the amount to taste.

Finding the perfect arrowroot flour substitute can feel like a mini quest in your kitchen adventures.

Is, it's totally doable and we're here to guide you.

Maybe you've opened your pantry to discover you're out of arrowroot flour right in the middle of baking.

No need to halt all operations or dash to the store.

We've rounded up the 5 best substitutes that you likely already have at home.

These swaps will keep your recipes on track without skipping a beat.

Each option comes with its own set of unique benefits, making your dish just as delicious, if not more.

And hey, experimenting with these alternatives could even lead to your next big kitchen breakthrough.

Table of Contents

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  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Arrowroot Flour
    • 1 - Cornstarch
    • 2 - Potato Starch
    • 3 - Xanthan Gum
    • 4 - All-Purpose Flour
    • 5 - Tapioca Starch
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Arrowroot Flour

If you don't have arrowroot flour on hand or can't find it at your local grocery store, a few substitutes will work just as well in a pinch.

Here are the five best substitutes for arrowroot flour:

1 - Cornstarch

cornstarch Save for Later!

Cornstarch is an ingredient found in many pantries, but what exactly is it? Cornstarch is a powder made from the corn kernel's endosperm.

It is a source of starch, which is a type of carbohydrate.

Cornstarch has a variety of uses, including thickening sauces and binding ingredients together.

It can also be used as a coating for fried foods.

In addition to its culinary uses, cornstarch can also be used for cleaning and laundry.

When mixed with water, it can be used to remove grease stains or polish furniture.

It can also be used as a natural fabric softener.

So the next time you need to thicken a sauce or remove a stain, reach for the cornstarch.

2 - Potato Starch

potato starch Save for Later!

Potato starch is a white powder that is extracted from potatoes.

It is a popular ingredient in many processed foods, as it has a variety of uses.

For example, it can be used as a thickener or binder in soups and sauces or as a coating for fried foods.

Potato starch is also a common ingredient in gluten-free recipes, as it can help to create a light, fluffy texture.

In addition to its culinary uses, potato starch can also be used for industrial applications.

For example, it is often used as a binding agent in papermaking.

Potato starch is an incredibly flexible ingredient that offers many benefits.

As a result, it is no wonder that it has become so popular in recent years.

3 - Xanthan Gum

xanthan gum Save for Later!

Xanthan gum is a food additive that is used to thicken and stabilize foods.

It is made from a type of bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris, which is found in vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.

The bacteria produce a sticky substance called xanthan gum, which is then used to thicken or emulsify food.

Xanthan gum is often used in salad dressings, ice creams, and sauces.

It can also be used as a thickening agent in cosmetics and lotions.

Although xanthan gum is generally safe for consumption, some people may experience digestive issues when they eat foods that contain it.

4 - All-Purpose Flour

allpurpose flour Save for Later!

All-purpose flour is a type of wheat flour that can be used for various baked goods.

It is made from a blend of different types of wheat, including hard and soft wheat.

The wheat is milled to a fine powder and then bleached with chlorine gas or benzoyl peroxide.

This bleaching process gives the flour a white color and makes it less likely to spoil.

All-purpose flour can be used for cookies, cakes, muffins, biscuits, and many other types of baking.

It is also often used as a thickening agent for sauces and soups.

Because all-purpose flour is so versatile, it is one of the most commonly used types of flour in the kitchen.

5 - Tapioca Starch

tapioca starch Save for Later!

Tapioca starch is a popular ingredient in many gluten-free recipes, as it can be used as a replacement for wheat flour.

This starchy substance is derived from the cassava plant and is rich in complex carbohydrates.

Tapioca starch is often used in pies and pastries, as it has a similar consistency to wheat flour.

In addition, this ingredient can also be used to thicken soups and sauces.

When cooked, tapioca starch becomes clear and glossy, making it a popular choice for many recipes.

If you are looking for a gluten-free flour alternative, tapioca starch is a good option to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Arrowroot Flour?

Cornstarch, Potato Starch, Xanthan Gum, All-Purpose Flour, and Tapioca Starch. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Arrowroot Flour.

What are the closest alternatives?

In most cases, yes. Try Cornstarch first since the flavor is closest.

Potato Starch handles heat and texture differently, so test in small batches.

Will the color or appearance of the dish change?

It can, especially with ingredients that have distinct colors or pigments. The difference is usually minor in mixed dishes but may be more visible in lighter sauces or batters.

How do you adjust seasoning when using a substitute?

Taste as you go.

Substitutes can be saltier, milder, or sweeter than the original.

Add seasoning gradually and adjust at the end rather than matching the original recipe amounts exactly.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

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Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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