gluten-free cornstarch
substitute.

6 gluten-free substitutes for cornstarch — top pick Rice Flour at 100% function match.

all substitutes on this page are gluten-free

top substitutes

01

Rice Flour

10.0
2 tbsp : 1 tbsp

Use double; less smooth finish

02

Potato Flour

5.0
1 cup : 1/2 cup

As thickener only; use half

03

Potatoes

3.3
1 tbsp : 1 tbsp

Grate raw potato into stew for thickening; starchier result, works in soups not clear sauces

show 3 more substitutes
04

Chia Seeds

3.3
1 tbsp : 1 tbsp

Ground chia thickens puddings and jams; forms gel when mixed with liquid, slightly seedy texture

05

Flaxseed

0.0
1 tbsp : 1 tbsp

Ground flax plus water creates a gel-thickener; best in baked goods, not clear sauces

06

Baking Powder

0.0
1:1

Not a thickener — baking powder is a leavener; only works if cornstarch was used for lift in cakes

pitfalls to avoid

watch out

Rice Flour: Flour makes sauce opaque, not glossy

watch out

Rice Flour: Use double the amount of rice flour

watch out

Rice Flour: Less smooth finish than cornstarch

watch out

Potato Flour: Flour makes sauce opaque, not glossy

watch out

Potato Flour: Use half the amount of potato flour

watch out

Potatoes: Grated potato gives starchier result than cornstarch

watch out

Potatoes: Won't work for clear glossy sauces

watch out

Chia Seeds: Slightly seedy texture in thickened sauces

watch out

Flaxseed: Flax gel works in baking, not clear sauces

watch out

Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavener — not a thickener

things people ask