Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for cornstarch
Best swap for cornstarch: Arrowroot powder, 1:1, up to 1 1/2x if the sauce stays thin; clear finish; goes slimy in dairy sauces and thins with long cooking.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Cornstarch?
The best swap for Cornstarch is Arrowroot Powder, 1:1, up to 1 1/2x if the sauce stays thin; clear finish; goes slimy in dairy sauces and thins with long cooking. Another option is All-Purpose Flour, use 2x the amount; cloudier sauce; not for puddings, where flour turns pasty. The table below also lists Tapioca Starch, 3 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Arrowroot powder | 1:1, up to 1 1/2x if the sauce stays thin; clear finish; goes slimy in dairy sauces and thins with long cooking |
| All-purpose flour | use 2x the amount; cloudier sauce; not for puddings, where flour turns pasty Diet and health: Contains gluten. |
| Tapioca starch | 1:1; slightly chewier in baked goods |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Read the full guide: Cornstarch substitute for thickening: use 2 Tbsp flour