If your recipe calls for arrowroot, but you don’t have any in the pantry, there is no need to panic. We have an amazing list of arrowroot substitutes list perfect for all dishes.
Plenty of people don’t usually keep arrowroot in their pantries. And will only buy it for specific occasions. For this reason, it is easy to run out fast or never to have had any in the first place.
If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the arrowroot your recipe is calling for, keep calm. We have 8 of the best substitutes for arrowroot powder in the article below.
- What is Arrowroot Powder?
- Top 8 Substitutes For Arrowroot Powder You Can Use!
- 1. Tapioca Starch is Thick and Sweet
- 2. Rice Flour is Perfect for Sauces and Soups
- 3. All Purpose Flour is A Popular Option
- 4. Cornstarch Can Work in Gravies, Marinades, and More
- 5. Xanthan Gum Has Great Binding Properties
- 6. Potato Starch Won’t Alter the Flavor of Your Recipes
- 7. Psyllium Husk is a Fabulous Binding Agent Alternative
- 8. Cassava Root Flour
- FAQs
- Summing Things Up
Keep reading!
What is Arrowroot Powder?
Arrowroot powder is a popular thickening agent used in many recipes. It is gluten free and offers a handful of health benefits. (*) These benefits include:
- Immune system stimulation,
- Aiding in weight loss,
- Treating digestive issues.
This white powder is flavorless and used as a thickening agent in things like soups, stews, sauces, etc.
The powder comes from the starch of many tropical plant rhizomes. Some of the plants include tapioca and cassava.
Tip: You may also find arrowroot powder with potato starch blends, especially cheaper options. Always check the labels before purchasing.
This thickening agent is odorless and has no taste. These properties keep it from interfering with the flavor of every dish.
How do You Use it?
Most people use arrowroot powder in sauces or stews as a thickening agent. Or in baked goods such as custards and pies, offering a beautiful fruit gloss.
Arrowroot powder is also often found in recipes that call for coating on meats and pan fried foods. This product gives them an extra crispy texture.
You might also see arrowroot used as a binding agent in certain recipes like:
- Cookie dough
- Beverages
- Candy
When Should You Substitute For Arrowroot Powder?
Arrowroot powder can be hard to find and expensive when you do. You might need to substitute arrowroot powder if you run out in the middle of a recipe or if you don’t have any.
There are very few recipes out there that will suffer if you have to replace the arrowroot.
Top 8 Substitutes For Arrowroot Powder You Can Use!
Now that you know what arrowroot powder is and what it does, do you know what can replace it if you run out?
If the answer to that question is no, we can help you out. Below is a list of the top 10 ingredients that work as the perfect substitute for arrowroot powder.
Each of these options can take the place of an arrowroot. But only in certain situations, so make a wise choice.
1. Tapioca Starch is Thick and Sweet
Tapioca starch (or tapioca flour) offers thickening properties like arrowroot. This option also has sweet undertones. It comes from the cassava root and is a fine powder that is gluten free and vegan friendly.
This ingredient is ideal in baked goods, puddings, and stews or soups. Keep in mind that tapioca starch can get chewy as it thickens.
Summary
- Good for baked goods and stews
- It can get chewy upon thickening
- Gluten free and vegan friendly
To substitute
- Use one TBSP of tapioca starch for one TBSP of arrowroot powder.
2. Rice Flour is Perfect for Sauces and Soups
Rice flour comes from finely milled rice and ground until it is a thin powder. It is a binding and thickening agent perfect for soups and sauces.
The high starch content can create a cloudy appearance, changing the look of your dish. If the color of your meal is important, you may want to consider a different option.
Summary
- Ideal for sauces and soups
- Has thickening and binding properties
- Creates a cloudy appearance when mixed with liquid
To substitute
- Use ½ TSP of rice flower to 1 TBSP of arrowroot flour
3. All Purpose Flour is A Popular Option
All purpose flour also referred to as plain “flour,” is a combination of soft and hard wheat grains. It is one of the most common ingredients used in baking today.
This product has no real flavor and a smooth powdery texture. All-purpose flour is the perfect substitute for arrowroot as a thickening agent in
- Baked goods
- sauces
- Stews
- Rhues
Summary
- Often used in baked goods
- Has no flavor
- Is a popular thickening agent
To substitute
- Use 2 TBSP of all purpose flour for 1 TBSP of arrowroot powder
4. Cornstarch Can Work in Gravies, Marinades, and More
Cornstarch is an excellent substitute for arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. It has no real flavor and provides the same texture with a little bit of water added in.
Arrowroot provides a glossy finish to many recipes, which cornstarch does not do. If you need a good ingredient to replace cornstarch and add texture to your dish, we think cornstarch is ideal.
Summary
- Add water to cornstarch when replacing arrowroot powder
- Perfect for Gravies, marinades, and sauces
- It has no flavor but plenty of texture
To substitute
- Use ½ a TSP of cornstarch for one TBSP or arrowroot powder
5. Xanthan Gum Has Great Binding Properties
Xanthan gum comes from fermenting sugar and bacteria. You can use it as a binding agent, emulsifier, or thickening agent. Like arrowroot powder, xanthan gum comes in a powdery white form and the same texture.
You can replace arrowroot powder with xanthan gum in things like:
- Candy
- Drinks
- Soups
- Sauces
This option offers no calories, is gluten free, and has plenty of thickening power. Thus, making it one of the best options for thickening agents on our list.
Summary
- Has no calories and is gluten free
- Is an amazing thickening agent
- Ideal in candy, drinks, and sauces
To substitute
- Use 1 TBSP of xanthan gum for 1 TBSP of arrowroot
6. Potato Starch Won’t Alter the Flavor of Your Recipes
Potato starch comes from the starch left after washing and peeling potatoes. It is powdery and has no flavor, making it ideal for an arrowroot alternative.
This starch is a bit thicker than arrowroot, meaning you should always add less to each recipe. The thick consistency makes it a go to for dishes that need a little bit of added texture and bulk.
We recommend you use potato starch in recipes for pie fillings, sauces, or other dishes that need substance.
Summary
- Potato starch is thicker than arrowroot
- It is perfect in pie fillings and sauces
- It has no flavor profile
To substitute
- Use 1 TBSP of potato starch for every 2 TBSP of arrowroot.
7. Psyllium Husk is a Fabulous Binding Agent Alternative
Psyllium husk is full of fiber and comes from the Plantago Ovata seed’s husk. It has few carbs and calories and is a plant based product.
This grainy texture and mild flavored ingredient have versatile properties. Yet, this product is often used as a binding agent. The binding properties in Psyllium husk make it an active ingredient in laxatives.
Summary
- It is an impeccable binding agent
- Low carb and low calorie
- Full of fiber
To substitute
- Use One TBSP of psyllium husk for one TBSP of arrowroot.
Learn more: 10 Helpful Substitutes For Psyllium Husk Powder When Baking
8. Cassava Root Flour
Cassava root flour comes from grinding up cassava root. It is a fine, powdery substance and goes through processing several times. This ingredient is rich in carbohydrates but doesn’t offer many nutritional benefits.
Cassava root flower acts as a fantastic thickening agent in dishes like soups and sauces. Cassava root and arrowroot are similar in thickness and consistency. You can use them in cookies, biscuits, and bread.
Summary
- Used in baked goods and sauces or soups
- High in carbohydrates and low in nutrients
- A good thickening agent
To substitute
- Use one TBSP of cassava root for one TBSP of arrowroot.
FAQs
Is Arrowroot Powder and Arrowroot Flour the Same Thing?
Arrowroot powder and arrowroot flour are the same things. The term is interchangeable with arrowroot starch.
What is Arrowroot Used for in Baking?
Arrowroot is most often known as an effective thickening agent and binder. It adds structure and texture to many dishes that need bulk and consistency.
What is the Best Arrowroot Substitute for Baked Goods?
Tapioca starch is one of the best substitutes for baked goods. Another great alternative is all purpose flour. This is because of its binding agent and thickening properties.
Can You Substitute Coconut Powder for Arrowroot Powder?
Coconut powder is a good substitute for arrowroot powder. You can add the powder to the other ingredients dry or create a wet mixture first.
How to Store Arrowroot
Although many people believe arrowroot has an infinite shelf life, this is not true. Use the product within two months of buying it or opening it. After that, it will not offer the same quality thickening properties.
Once opened, place the arrowroot in an airtight container in a cool, dry space. Always mark the containers with the date of sale or the date it was first opened.
Summing Things Up
Even if your recipe calls for arrowroot powder, it doesn’t mean you have to go out and pay a fortune for it.
You can substitute this ingredient with a bunch of other options from the list above with ease.
Up Next: The Most Common Baking Ingredient Substitutes
