The Best Substitutes for Cornstarch

Discover the Best Substitutes for Cornstarch in cooking and baking. Learn which ingredients thicken sauces, soups, and desserts when you’re out of cornstarch.

Running out of cornstarch doesn’t have to ruin your recipe. From flour and arrowroot to potato starch and tapioca, there are plenty of effective alternatives that can thicken sauces, soups, gravies, and baked goods.

This guide breaks down each option, how to use it, and tips to get the perfect texture every time. There isn’t any need to panic when you can use these clever substitutes while cooking to make a slurry.

These easy-to-use replacements with pantry staples will save you time and money in the kitchen. Cornstarch has many uses so keep this list handy. You will likely want to reference this list of best cornstarch substitutes quickly in the kitchen.

Whether you have a corn allergy or just ran out of cornstarch, these are easy substitutes to try.

What is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a powder in consistency that is pure starch. It is derived from corn kernels after removing all of the bran on the exterior.

The remainder is what we know as cornstarch. Since this ingredient originates from corn, it is naturally gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

It is used for a vast array of things. You can thicken soups and broths with it as it can reduce water and excess liquid. It absorbs quickly and easily and has thickening power for sauces, gravies, puddings, and more.

This ingredient is ideal for thickening pie fillings to the desired consistency and in other baked goods. By mixing cornstarch with cold water and adding to the recipe, it creates a thicker consistency.

Cornstarch also works great as a coating for food before use in a stir fry and does not alter the flavor or taste of the dish.

Please note that cornstarch is not the same thing as corn flour. These are two very different ingredients. Cornstarch is non-starchy and gluten-free.

Whereas corn flour is a protein gluten-free flour ingredient. It does not produce the same results when combined with tablespoons of water.

Best Substitute For Cornstarch

1. All Purpose Flour

Use a 2:1 ratio of flour for cornstarch in any recipe. For example, 2 tablespoons of flour for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. It won’t produce the same glossy look of cornstarch but will thicken effectively.

2. Almond Flour

You will need to use a 1:1 ratio when substituting with this ingredient. For example, if it calls for 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, you will use 2 teaspoons of almond flour in the recipe.

3. Arrowroot Powder

Use arrowroot in a 2:1 ratio as a substitute in any recipe that calls for cornstarch. For example, 2 tablespoons of arrowroot for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

This is a handy ingredient to use as a thickening agent in clear broths. Arrowroot forms a clear paste making it ideal to use in clear liquids. I don’t prefer to use this in dairy based recipes such as pastry cream because it changes the texture and it isn’t as silky.

4. Rice Flour

When substituting with rice flower, use a 2:1 substitution for cornstarch. You would use 2 tablespoons of rice flour for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.

This is a clear ingredient making it perfect to use in clear liquids. It can be used to make a paste or roux.

5. XANTHAN GUM

It is important to remember that A little bit of xanthan gum goes a LONG way! You need to begin with a very small amount.

I would suggest starting with as little as a ⅛ or ¼ of what the recipe calls for in cornstarch. Adding too much can cause a slimy consistency in your liquid. It is important to add this gradually with the smallest amount possible.

Xanthan Gum is made from fermenting sugar with a bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris.

6. Potato Starch

Substitute using a 1:1 ratio in recipes. If your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, use 1 tablespoon of potato starch. It is that simple.

Potato starch is also gluten-free making this an easy swap.

7. Tapioca Flour

This tapioca starch substitute is derived from a cassava root. It is ground, filtered, and then dried into tapioca flour.

When substituting with this ingredient, use a 1:2 ratio. For example: If the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon cornstarch, use 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour.

8. Guar Gum

This is very similar to xanthan gum but cheaper and made from guar beans. Due to this, many people prefer to use this instead of xanthan gum.

Also similar to xanthan gum, a little goes a long way. It is important to initially begin with small increments of ¼ teaspoon. Add a little at a time to prevent the texture from becoming too thick.

A little definitely goes a long way in recipes. You will not need a large amount to sufficiently substitute with corn starch.

9. Psyllium Husk

When using this as a substitute, initially start with only a ½ teaspoon in the recipe. It does not take much and it is very easy to add more than you need.

Just use a small amount and gradually increase the amount in increments. This is very important to the outcome when using this in a recipe.

Psyllium Husk is plant-based with minimum carbs. It is a terrific substitute for cornstarch and great if trying to stay low carb.

10. Wheat Flour

This is an easy substitute for cornstarch. Simply use a 1:2 ratio. If the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, use 2 tablespoons of wheat flour.

Alternative Ways to Thicken Without Cornstarch

• Vegetable Purees: Blend cooked vegetables into a smooth puree to naturally thicken soups, stews, chilis, and sauces.
• Simmer and Reduce: Cook your dish over low heat for a longer time to allow excess liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker broth or sauce.
• Beans or Legumes: Mash or puree cooked beans to add body to soups and stews.
• Nut Butters: Stir in peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for creamy sauces and soups.
• Egg Yolks: Temper egg yolks into sauces or custards to thicken them naturally.

More Baking Tips

• Learn how to make Homemade Brown Sugar
• Best Baking Soda Substitutes
• Does Cake Mix Go Bad?
• Homemade Cake Mix Recipe
• The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes

Try these easy cornstarch alternatives in your next recipe and enjoy perfectly thickened sauces, soups, and desserts without any extra ingredients. Share your favorite method in the comments and give this guide a 5-star rating if it helped you in the kitchen!