Best Tapioca Flour Substitutes

🍳 SubSwap guide4 substitutes

What Can I Use Instead of Tapioca Flour?

⭐ Top Pick
Cornstarch
commonbudgetveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freenut-free

Use 50%. Use half. Cornstarch is ~2x as thickening. Best for sauces — cloudier finish.

Not this one? Try: Arrowroot powder Potato starch Rice flour See all 4 →

Out of tapioca flour? You've got 4 good substitutes for as a thickener and gluten-free flour in fruit pies and Asian sauces. The top pick is Cornstarch — use 50%. Use half. Cornstarch is ~2x as thickening. Best for sauces — cloudier finish.

Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.

Get ratios for Tapioca Flour →

All Tapioca Flour Substitutes (4 options)

Cornstarch Use 50%
bestcommonbudgetveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freenut-free

Use half. Cornstarch is ~2x as thickening. Best for sauces — cloudier finish.

Arrowroot powder Same amount
commonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freepaleonut-free

1:1 swap. Similar clarity and freeze-thaw stability. Best for fruit pies and clear sauces.

Potato starch Same amount
commonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freepaleonut-free

1:1 swap. Don't boil — add at the end of cooking. Great for soups and Asian stir-fry sauces.

Rice flour Use 2× the amount
commonveganvegetariandairy-freegluten-freenut-free

Use 2 tbsp rice flour per 1 tbsp tapioca flour. Better for baking than thickening sauces.

Common Questions About Tapioca Flour Substitutes

What's the best substitute for tapioca flour?

The best substitute for tapioca flour is Cornstarch. Use 50%. Use half. Cornstarch is ~2x as thickening. Best for sauces — cloudier finish.

Can I use Arrowroot powder instead of tapioca flour?

Yes. Same amount. 1:1 swap. Similar clarity and freeze-thaw stability. Best for fruit pies and clear sauces.

How many substitutes are there for tapioca flour?

This guide lists 4 tapioca flour alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand.

What is a vegan substitute for tapioca flour?

Cornstarch is a great plant-based alternative to tapioca flour. Use 50%. Use half. Cornstarch is ~2x as thickening. Best for sauces — cloudier finish.