Cornstarch Substitutes
Flours & GrainsA fine starch used as a thickener in sauces, gravies, soups, and puddings. Also used in baking to lighten texture.
4 listed substitutes
·First listed swap: Arrowroot Powder
First listed Cornstarch substitute option: Arrowroot Powder
In the current curated data, Arrowroot Powder is listed first at 1:1. Its listed uses include sauces, glazes, gravies and fruit fillings. Compare the notes below before using it in dairy-based sauces (gets slimy), freezing, dairy-based puddings and prolonged high-heat cooking.
How to choose a Cornstarch swap
Arrowroot Powder
Ratio: 1:1
Listed for sauces, glazes, gravies and fruit fillings. Avoid for dairy-based sauces (gets slimy) and freezing.
Tapioca Starch
Ratio: 1:1
Listed for pie fillings, Asian desserts and sauces. Avoid for dairy-based puddings.
Potato Starch
Ratio: 1:1
Listed for soups, gravies and sauces. Avoid for prolonged high-heat cooking.
Cornstarch substitute ratios and notes
Arrowroot Powder
The best substitute — thickens at lower temperatures and creates a clearer sauce. Doesn't stand up well to prolonged heat or freezing. Great for fruit sauces and glazes.
Tapioca Starch
Creates a clear, glossy finish. Excellent for pie fillings and Asian desserts. Freezes and thaws better than cornstarch.
Potato Starch
Very effective thickener. Has a neutral flavor. Tolerates higher heat than arrowroot. Turns slimy if overcooked.
All-Purpose Flour
Use double the amount. Creates a less clear, more opaque sauce. Needs to cook longer to eliminate raw flour taste. The everyday pantry backup.
Cornstarch substitute FAQs
Which Cornstarch substitute is listed first?
Arrowroot Powder is the first listed Cornstarch substitute in SwapChef's curated data. The listed ratio is 1:1.
Can I use Arrowroot Powder instead of Cornstarch?
The curated notes list Arrowroot Powder for sauces, glazes, gravies and fruit fillings. The best substitute — thickens at lower temperatures and creates a clearer sauce. Doesn't stand up well to prolonged heat or freezing. Great for fruit sauces and glazes.
What is another Cornstarch substitute?
Tapioca Starch is another listed option at 1:1. The data lists it for pie fillings, Asian desserts and sauces.
What cautions are listed for Cornstarch substitutes?
The curated cautions mention dairy-based sauces (gets slimy). Check each substitute's “not for” notes before using it in baking, sauces, or allergy-sensitive recipes.