12 Best Tapioca Flour Substitutes 

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Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge to find tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Today we’re sharing some information about tapioca flour, and some substitutes you can easily use to take its place. 

Tapioca Flour
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What is Tapioca Flour? 

Tapioca flour is made from the crushed pulp of the cassava plant. It is white in color and has a fine texture. Note that it’s different from cassava flour which is made from the entire root of the cassava plant, not just the pulp. 

Tapioca Flour vs. Tapioca Starch                

If your recipe calls for tapioca starch instead of tapioca flour, it’s actually the same thing and can be used interchangeably. 

What is Tapioca Flour Used For?   

You’ll often find tapioca flour in recipes for baked goods, doughs, and puddings. In baked goods, it’s popular because it’s gluten-free, and in puddings, gravies, and sauces, it’s used as a thickener. 

ARROWROOT

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Considered to be one of the best alternatives for tapioca starch, arrowroot powder is made from a similar root plant and is generally neutral in taste. When used with dairy products it can produce a slimy texture, however it works quite well with acidic ingredients. Use arrowroot as a substitute for tapioca starch at a ratio of 1:1. 

CORNSTARCH

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Readily available and economical, cornstarch can easily replace tapioca flour in a recipe. Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour. 

POTATO STARCH

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Also gluten-free, potato starch is made from the root of a plant. It has very little flavor, so should not affect the flavor of your dish. Use half the amount of potato starch when replacing tapioca starch in a recipe. To avoid lumps, make a slurry of equal parts water and potato starch before adding it to your dish. 

CASSAVA FLOUR

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Cassava flour is made from the same root as tapioca flour but it is more fibrous, and will thicken ingredients faster. It is also gluten-free, has a slightly nutty flavor, and is a good substitute for tapioca flour. Use an equal amount of cassava flour when using it in place of tapioca flour. Note that because it is more fibrous, you may want to reduce or leave out any other ingredients that will thicken your dish.   

RICE FLOUR

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Similar to tapioca flour and easy to source, rice flour is an excellent option. Use an equal amount of rice flour in place of tapioca flour. 

INSTANT TAPIOCA PEARLS OR BOBA

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

You may be familiar with tapioca pearls if you’re a fan of bubble tea. They are also commonly  used in baking  and can replace tapioca powder in a recipe. Use 1 tablespoon of instant tapioca pearls or boba for every 1 ½ tablespoons of tapioca flour.  

GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR MIXES

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

If you have a gluten-free flour mix  on hand, it can be used  to thicken a savory dish. Because it can cause the liquid to become cloudy, it’s best to avoid this option when making fruit sauces, custards, and puddings.

AGAR AGAR

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

This vegan version of gelatin is made from red algae. You’ll need to experiment with the amount to use in place of tapioca starch, so start with less and increase the amount until you get the desired consistency.

ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR (OR WHOLE WHEAT)

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

White or whole wheat flour can replace tapioca flour in savory dishes, however they are not gluten-free. Note that your dish may take on a slight nutty flavor. Use an equal amount of all-purpose white or whole flour as a substitute for tapioca flour. 

HEAVY CREAM

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Because of its high-fat content, heavy cream can be used as a substitute for tapioca flour. It will thicken the dish and add a touch of richness to it as well. Note that any other thickener called for in the recipe can probably be left out.  

COLLAGEN OR EGGS

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Often made from meat, eggs, fish, or seafood, collagen is not a vegan option. It can be used in sweet dishes like custards and puddings, as well in savory meat dishes. Note that it isn’t a good option for soups and sauces. 

PECTIN AND GELATIN

Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.

Often used to thicken jellies and jams, a small amount of pectin or gelatin can be used in place of tapioca flour desserts such as fruit sauces, custards, and puddings. They are not suitable for savory dishes. 

Can I Substitute Xanthan Gum for Tapioca Starch?

Xanthan Gum is gluten-free and is a good option for baked goods. It is not a good choice for savory dishes. Note that it can be pricey and difficult to find. 

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Tapioca Flour

How to Substitute Tapioca Flour

By: Izzy
Often used as a thickener, tapioca is a very starchy flour. If you’re making a recipe that calls for tapioca flour, there are alternatives you can use if you don’t have any on hand. Depending on where you live, it may be a challenge finding tapioca flour at your local grocery store.
Servings: 1

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup Arrowroot
  • Optional other substitute such as cornstarch

Instructions 

  • Replace tapioca flour with arrowroot or other substitute according to the recipe instructions.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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