12 Best Tapioca Flour Substitutes 
on Mar 22, 2022
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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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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 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 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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How to Substitute Tapioca Flour
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.