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Cornstarch Substitutes

Cornstarch is a fine, powdery starch derived from the endosperm of corn kernels. It is primarily used as a thickening agent due to its ability to absorb water and form a smooth, translucent gel when heated. Cornstarch is valued in cooking and baking for its neutral flavor and ability to improve texture without altering taste.

Primary function in recipes: Its primary culinary function is to thicken sauces, soups, and fillings.

Choose Your Recipe (65 Recipe Guides)

The best Cornstarch substitute depends on what you're making. Select your recipe for a tailored recommendation with exact ratios.

In-depth guide
Banana Bread
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
BΓ©arnaise Sauce
Best: Arrowroot Powder
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Beef Stew
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Biscuits
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Bread Pudding
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Burgers
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Chicken Pot Pie
Best: All-Purpose Flour
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Chocolate Mousse
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Cinnamon Rolls
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Cream Sauce
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Crème Brûlée
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Crepes
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Doughnuts
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Focaccia
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
French Toast
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Fried Chicken
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Fried Rice
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Frittata
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Granola
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Hollandaise Sauce
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Meatballs
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Meatloaf
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Muffins
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Oatmeal
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Omelette
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Pancakes
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Panna Cotta
Best: Gelatin
5 options with exact ratios
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Quiche
Best: All-Purpose Flour
5 options with exact ratios
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Quick Bread
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Risotto
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Roasted Vegetables
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Salad Dressing
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Scones
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Scrambled Eggs
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Smoothie
Best: Arrowroot powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Soup
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Sourdough Bread
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Stew
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Stir-Fry
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Teriyaki Sauce
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Tiramisu
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Tomato Sauce
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Waffles
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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In-depth guide
Yeast Bread
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Bagels
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Brownies
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Carrot Cake
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Cheesecake
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Chili
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Chocolate Cake
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Chocolate Chip Cookies
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Cupcakes
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Curry
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Energy Balls
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Marinade
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Pad Thai
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Pasta
Best: Tapioca Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Pie Crust
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Pizza Dough
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Pound Cake
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Red Velvet Cake
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Shepherd's Pie
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
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Sugar Cookies
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Vanilla Cake
Best: Arrowroot Powder
5 options with exact ratios
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Zucchini Bread
Best: Potato Starch
5 options with exact ratios
See all substitutes β†’

Expert-tested substitution guides with detailed ratios, texture comparisons, and practical advice.

Cornstarch Substitute for Thickening: 8 Alternatives Compared
Compare 8 cornstarch alternatives for thickening sauces, gravies, and soups. Includes thickening power ratios and clarity differences....
Read Guide →

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Cornstarch is part of our gluten-free swaps collection. Browse all related ingredient substitutes in one place.

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