What can I substitute for potato starch?
Running low on potato starch? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About potato starch
Potato starch is a fine, white powder extracted from crushed potatoes, prized for its neutral flavour and exceptional thickening power. It creates a clear, glossy gel when cooked, making it ideal for sauces, gravies, and Asian-style dishes. Unlike wheat flour, it is naturally gluten-free and produces a silkier texture without cloudiness.
Best substitute
cornflour
Cornflour (cornstarch) is the closest match to potato starch in terms of thickening power and producing a clear, glossy finish. It performs almost identically in sauces, gravies, and stir-fries, though it can turn slightly cloudy at very high temperatures.
Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of potato starch
saucesgraviesstir-friesbakingNot suitable for: freeze-thaw applications
Alternative
arrowroot flour
Arrowroot produces a similarly clear, glossy gel and is an excellent gluten-free substitute. It works well in acidic sauces and freezes better than cornflour, though it can become slimy if overcooked or combined with dairy.
Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of potato starch
saucesfruit dessertsacidic dishesNot suitable for: dairy-based saucesNot suitable for: prolonged cooking
Alternative
tapioca starch
What is potato starch called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | potato starch |
| Canada | potato starch |
| New Zealand | potato starch |
| United Kingdom | potato flour |
| United States | potato starch |
Common names for potato starch
potato flourfecule de pommes de terrekartoffelmehl