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Best Arrowroot Powder Substitute in Biscuits

5 tested options with exact ratios, science-backed explanations, and tips for success.

Quick Answer

The best substitute for Arrowroot Powder in Biscuits is Tapioca Starch because it has a similar neutral flavor and gelatinization properties that help create a tender, light crumb without altering the biscuit's texture.

Top 5 Arrowroot Powder Substitutes for Biscuits

Substitute Ratio
โญ Tapioca Starch (Best) 1:1 (use equal amount to arrowroot powder)
Potato Starch 1:1 (equal substitution)
Cornstarch 3/4 the amount of arrowroot powder (e.g., 3/4 tsp cornstarch per 1 tsp arrowroot)
Rice Flour 1:1 substitution
Wheat Flour (All-Purpose) 1:1 substitution

Detailed Guide: Each Arrowroot Powder Substitute in Biscuits

Tapioca Starch (Best Option)

1:1 (use equal amount to arrowroot powder)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Maintains a light, tender crumb and does not affect flavor.

Tapioca starch has similar thickening and gelatinization properties to arrowroot powder, which helps biscuits remain tender and flaky by preventing gluten overdevelopment and retaining moisture evenly.

To ensure success, mix tapioca starch thoroughly with the dry ingredients to avoid clumping. It performs best when baked immediately after mixing to maintain biscuit rise and texture.

Compared to arrowroot, tapioca starch produces biscuits with nearly identical texture and appearance, making it the most seamless substitute.

Potato Starch

1:1 (equal substitution)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Can add slight moisture; biscuits may be softer and less crumbly.

Potato starch gelatinizes at a similar temperature to arrowroot and can help tenderize biscuits by coating starch granules and limiting gluten formation.

Use sparingly and avoid overmixing to prevent a gummy texture. It is best combined with a small amount of flour to balance moisture retention.

Biscuits made with potato starch tend to be softer and slightly moister, which may be desirable in some recipes but differs from the crispness arrowroot imparts.

Cornstarch

3/4 the amount of arrowroot powder (e.g., 3/4 tsp cornstarch per 1 tsp arrowroot)
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: May slightly thicken more and produce a denser biscuit crumb.

Cornstarch thickens by absorbing water and swelling, similar to arrowroot, but it gelatinizes at a higher temperature and can create a firmer texture.

To avoid a dense biscuit, reduce the amount slightly and mix well with other dry ingredients. Avoid prolonged resting of dough before baking.

Biscuits with cornstarch tend to be less tender and have a slightly chalky mouthfeel compared to arrowroot versions.

Rice Flour

1:1 substitution
Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Adds slight graininess and can make biscuits crumblier.

Rice flour is a fine gluten-free flour that can replace arrowroot powder to some extent by providing structure without gluten.

Because it lacks the gelatinization properties of arrowroot, biscuits may be less tender and more crumbly. Combining rice flour with a small amount of starch can improve texture.

The final biscuit will be denser and less fluffy, with a slightly gritty texture compared to arrowroot.

Wheat Flour (All-Purpose)

1:1 substitution
Vegan Dairy-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Increases gluten, resulting in tougher biscuits.

All-purpose flour contains gluten, which provides structure but can make biscuits tough and chewy if overused.

If used as a substitute for arrowroot powder, it should be combined with less flour overall to prevent toughness. Mixing should be minimal to avoid gluten development.

Biscuits will be less tender and flaky, with a more bread-like texture compared to those made with arrowroot.

Vegan Arrowroot Powder Substitutes for Biscuits

Full Vegan guide โ†’
Tapioca Starch
Ratio: 1:1 (use equal amount to arrowroot powder)

Maintains a light, tender crumb and does not affect flavor.

Potato Starch
Ratio: 1:1 (equal substitution)

Can add slight moisture; biscuits may be softer and less crumbly.

Cornstarch
Ratio: 3/4 the amount of arrowroot powder (e.g., 3/4 tsp cornstarch per 1 tsp arrowroot)

May slightly thicken more and produce a denser biscuit crumb.

Rice Flour
Ratio: 1:1 substitution

Adds slight graininess and can make biscuits crumblier.

Wheat Flour (All-Purpose)
Ratio: 1:1 substitution

Increases gluten, resulting in tougher biscuits.

Gluten-Free Arrowroot Powder Substitutes for Biscuits

Full Gluten-Free guide โ†’
Tapioca Starch
Ratio: 1:1 (use equal amount to arrowroot powder)

Maintains a light, tender crumb and does not affect flavor.

Potato Starch
Ratio: 1:1 (equal substitution)

Can add slight moisture; biscuits may be softer and less crumbly.

Cornstarch
Ratio: 3/4 the amount of arrowroot powder (e.g., 3/4 tsp cornstarch per 1 tsp arrowroot)

May slightly thicken more and produce a denser biscuit crumb.

Rice Flour
Ratio: 1:1 substitution

Adds slight graininess and can make biscuits crumblier.

Dairy-Free Arrowroot Powder Substitutes for Biscuits

Full Dairy-Free guide โ†’
Tapioca Starch
Ratio: 1:1 (use equal amount to arrowroot powder)

Maintains a light, tender crumb and does not affect flavor.

Potato Starch
Ratio: 1:1 (equal substitution)

Can add slight moisture; biscuits may be softer and less crumbly.

Cornstarch
Ratio: 3/4 the amount of arrowroot powder (e.g., 3/4 tsp cornstarch per 1 tsp arrowroot)

May slightly thicken more and produce a denser biscuit crumb.

Rice Flour
Ratio: 1:1 substitution

Adds slight graininess and can make biscuits crumblier.

Wheat Flour (All-Purpose)
Ratio: 1:1 substitution

Increases gluten, resulting in tougher biscuits.

โŒ What NOT to Use as a Arrowroot Powder Substitute in Biscuits

Cornstarch

Cornstarch can create a slightly chalky texture in biscuits and tends to thicken more aggressively, which can lead to a denser crumb rather than the desired lightness.

All-Purpose Flour

Using all-purpose flour as a substitute increases gluten content, resulting in tougher biscuits that lack the delicate crumb and tenderness arrowroot powder provides.

Potato Starch

Potato starch can retain too much moisture and create a gummy or overly moist biscuit texture, which is undesirable in flaky biscuit recipes.

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