Best Substitutes for Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens sauces, gravies, and pie fillings — several pantry staples work just as well.
Best overall swap
All-purpose flour
2 tbsp flour per 1 tbsp cornstarchNeeds to cook longer to lose a raw, floury taste and won’t get quite as glossy.
All Substitutes for Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
2 tbsp flour per 1 tbsp cornstarchNeeds to cook longer to lose a raw, floury taste and won’t get quite as glossy.
Arrowroot powder
1:1Thickens at a lower temperature and stays clear — great for fruit fillings and sauces that shouldn’t cloud.
Potato starch
1:1Similar glossy thickening power; add at the end of cooking since it breaks down if boiled too long.
Tapioca starch
2 tsp tapioca per 1 tbsp cornstarchGives a slightly chewy, glossy finish — popular in pie fillings.