Cornstarch (largest of 2) is #1 of 6 thickeners ingredients by substitute count (4 documented, quality rank #3 at 4/5) ≠ Arrowroot (largest of 2) #1 by average quality (4.3/5 on 3 substitutes, count rank #3).
4
Cornstarch substitutes (#1 count)
#3
Cornstarch quality rank
4.3/5
Arrowroot avg quality (#1)
#3
Arrowroot count rank
Substitute count is documented pairings; quality is the average reviewer score (1–5 scale) across at least two substitutes. Both are drawn from the PlainSubstitute database as of September 2026.
Grounded in established culinary references and food-science literature, current as of September 2026, drawing on 20 documented thickeners substitutions, per our methodology.
The Main Thickeners
Cornstarch
Properties: Glossy, clear gel. Neutral flavor. Becomes cloudy when frozen.
Best for: Stir-fry sauces, pie fillings, custards, puddings.
Ratio: 1 tbsp per 1 cup liquid for medium sauce.
Method: Mix with cold water first (slurry), then add to hot liquid while stirring.
Arrowroot
Properties: Very clear gel, glossy finish. Freezes well.
Best for: Fruit sauces, clear glazes, pie fillings for freezing.
Ratio: 1:1 with cornstarch.
Avoid: Dairy - creates slimy texture. Do not boil.
Tapioca Starch
Properties: Very clear, glossy gel. Stable when frozen.
Best for: Fruit pies, puddings, gluten-free baking.
Ratio: 2 tbsp tapioca = 1 tbsp cornstarch.
All-Purpose Flour
Best for: Gravies, roux-based sauces (bechamel), pot pies.
Method: Make a roux for best results. Cook 2+ minutes to remove raw taste.
Ratio: 2 tbsp flour = 1 tbsp cornstarch.
Choosing the Right Thickener
Application
Best Thickener
Clear fruit sauce
Arrowroot
Fruit pie filling
Tapioca
Gravy
Flour (roux) or cornstarch
Stir-fry sauce
Cornstarch
Custard/pudding
Cornstarch
Bechamel
Flour (roux)
Vegan gelatin
Agar-agar
Thickeners ingredients you can look up
Documented substitutes per ingredient in this category
substitutes
Cornstarch
4
Cornstarch
4 substitutes
100.0% of the leader · rank #1
Gelatin
4
Gelatin
4 substitutes
100.0% of the leader · rank #2
Agar-Agar
3
Agar-Agar
3 substitutes
75.0% of the leader · rank #3
Arrowroot
3
Arrowroot
3 substitutes
75.0% of the leader · rank #4
Pectin
3
Pectin
3 substitutes
75.0% of the leader · rank #5
Tapioca Starch
3
Tapioca Starch
3 substitutes
75.0% of the leader · rank #6
What this shows This guide pairs with the database: 20 tested substitutions are documented for the thickeners ingredients above, click any to see exact ratios and quality scores.
Thickeners swaps by dietary need
Share of documented thickeners substitutes that fit each diet.
Vegan
90%
Gluten-free
95%
Dairy-free
10%
Nut-free
0%
Putting it into practice
Read the strategy here, then verify the exact ratio on a thickeners ingredient page before you swap.
Look up any thickeners ingredient to see every documented substitute with its ratio and quality score. Thickeners ingredients →
Match the substitute to the function you need to preserve, binding, leavening, moisture, fat, or flavour. Substitution Finder →
How ratios and quality scores are derived from the curated registry. Methodology →
Substitution ratios are guidelines grounded in culinary practice; results vary with recipe and technique.