Arrowroot powder is a starch extracted from the common arrowroot plant. It has been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures as a food source and natural remedy.
Today, arrowroot remains popular for its numerous culinary and medicinal applications. It is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be used as a thickener, binder, or even as a gluten-free flour substitute in cooking and baking. Arrowroot is valued for its ability to create clear, shimmering gels and prevent lumps from forming in sauces, gravies, puddings, and more.
Compared to other starches like corn starch, arrowroot stands out for its neutral taste and ability to withstand freezing temperatures. It also contains significant amounts of protein, B vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
For these reasons, arrowroot is widely used in gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and whole-food diets. It’s an excellent way to thicken up dairy-free soups and sauces. Those looking to avoid corn or wheat-derived starches may prefer using arrowroot.
PuroRaw Arrowroot Powder
This arrowroot powder is a versatile kitchen staple that serves as an excellent gluten-free and grain-free thickening agent. It can be used to thicken sauces, soups, gravies, and more without altering the flavor. The arrowroot is sourced from Thailand and produced using traditional methods to ensure a pure, high quality product.
Customers say this arrowroot powder has a very fine, silky texture that blends smoothly into foods and recipes. The neutral taste won't overpower dishes, making it a favorite for thickening all types of cuisines from Asian to American. It's even useful in vegan and paleo cooking.
Key Features:
- Gluten-free, grain-free, paleo
- Neutral taste won't alter flavor
- Fine, silky texture blends smoothly
- Thickens sauces, soups, gravies
What We Like:
- Versatile for many diets and cuisines
- Made using traditional methods
- Pure arrowroot, no additives
Herbaila Arrowroot Powder
This arrowroot powder by Herbaila is a gluten-free, kosher thickening agent perfect for cooking and baking. Customers love using it to add silkiness and moisture to gluten-free baked goods. It can also thicken up sauces, soups, and gravies without changing the flavor.
The company sources top-quality arrowroot and processes it using traditional techniques to ensure a natural, high purity product. There are no additives - just 100% pure arrowroot powder.
Key Features:
- Thickens sauces, soups, gravies
- Adds moisture to baked goods
- Gluten-free & kosher
- 100% pure arrowroot
What We Like:
- Won't change flavor of dishes
- Traditional processing method
- Useful for special diets
Anthony's Premium Arrowroot Flour
Anthony's arrowroot flour is a versatile, gluten-free starch that serves as an excellent thickener and binder in cooking. The fine, silky texture makes it useful for creating creamy sauces and gravies without clumping. It can also add lightness and structure to gluten-free baked treats.
This arrowroot flour comes from Thailand and is processed using traditional methods to preserve quality. Customers love that it's gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan. There are no added ingredients - just pure arrowroot.
Key Features:
- Gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO
- Thickens sauces, gravies smoothly
- Lightens texture of baked goods
- 100% pure arrowroot
What We Like:
- Traditional processing method
- Useful in gluten-free cooking
- Neutral taste won't alter flavor
SPICE TRAIN Arrowroot Powder
Spice Train's arrowroot powder is a gluten-free, versatile kitchen staple. The fine powder thickens sauces, soups, and gluten-free baked goods without changing the flavor. Customers love that it provides a smooth, silky texture.
This arrowroot powder contains no added sugar or fillers - just pure arrowroot sourced from premium Indian plantations. It's non-GMO and packaged in a convenient resealable pouch. Use it as a replacement for cornstarch or wheat flour.
Key Features:
- Thickens sauces, soups, baked goods
- Gluten-free, non-GMO
- No added sugar or fillers
- Smooth, silky texture
What We Like:
- Won't alter flavor
- Convenient resealable packaging
- Sourced from premium Indian crops
Judee's Arrowroot Powder
Judee's provides a 100% pure arrowroot powder that serves as an excellent gluten-free, grain-free thickener and binder. It can be used to add silkiness and structure to sauces, baked goods, and more without changing the flavor.
Customers love that it's vegan and made in a facility free of contaminants, so it's safe for those with allergies or on special diets. The arrowroot powder contains no additives - just one simple ingredient.
Key Features:
- Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan
- Thickens sauces, binds baked goods
- Pure arrowroot powder
- Made in an allergen-free facility
What We Like:
- Won't alter taste of dishes
- Safe for many diets
- Only one simple ingredient
It's Just Arrowroot Powder
This arrowroot powder from It's Just is an excellent gluten-free and grain-free thickening agent. It can be used to thicken sauces, soups, gravies, and baked goods without altering flavor. Customers mention this arrowroot powder has a very fine, silky texture that blends smoothly into foods.
The powder is sourced from the Maranta arundinacea tropical plant and processed using traditional methods to ensure a natural, high purity product. There are no additives - just 100% pure arrowroot.
Key Features:
- Gluten-free, grain-free
- Pure arrowroot powder
- Smooth, silky texture
- Thickens without altering flavor
What We Like:
- Processed traditionally
- Useful for special diets
- Versatile for cooking and baking
Unpretentious Arrowroot Powder
Unpretentious Arrowroot Powder serves as an excellent gluten-free and grain-free thickener for sauces, stews, gravies, and more. Customers mention it provides a nice thickening texture without negatively impacting flavor.
This arrowroot powder contains no additives or preservatives - just 100% pure arrowroot starch extracted from the Maranta arundinacea plant. It's useful as a replacement for wheat or corn-based thickeners.
Key Features:
- Thickens sauces, stews, gravies
- Gluten-free, grain-free
- 100% pure arrowroot
- Versatile thickener
What We Like:
- Won't alter flavor
- Smooth thickening texture
- Useful for special diets
Hoosier Hill Farm Arrowroot Powder
Hoosier Hill Farm provides a high quality arrowroot powder that serves as an excellent gluten-free, grain-free thickener for sauces, pie fillings, puddings, and more. Customers mention it blends smoothly and thickens at low temperatures without negatively impacting flavor.
The arrowroot is extracted using traditional methods to ensure a natural, high purity product. There are no preservatives or additives - just 100% arrowroot.
Key Features:
- Thickens sauces, pies, puddings
- Gluten-free, grain-free
- 100% arrowroot powder
- Smooth, low-temp thickener
What We Like:
- Won't alter flavor
- Useful for gluten-free cooking
- Natural extraction process
Just Jaivik Arrowroot Powder
Just Jaivik provides a certified organic arrowroot powder that serves as an excellent gluten-free thickener for cooking and baking. Customers love using it to improve the texture of gluten-free baked goods by adding silkiness and moisture.
The arrowroot is processed using traditional techniques to ensure a high purity, natural product. There are no chemicals, additives, or preservatives - just 100% organic arrowroot powder.
Key Features:
- Organic, gluten-free
- Thickens sauces, bakes, pies
- Adds moisture to baked goods
- 100% arrowroot powder
What We Like:
- Won't alter flavor
- Useful for special diets
- Traditional processing method
Naturevibe Botanicals Arrowroot Powder
Naturevibe Botanicals provides a certified organic arrowroot powder that serves as a versatile gluten-free, grain-free thickener for cooking and baking. It thickens sauces, soups, and baked goods smoothly without altering flavor.
The arrowroot is ethically sourced from Indian farms and processed using traditional techniques to ensure a high purity product. There are no additives - just 100% organic arrowroot powder.
Key Features:
- USDA organic, gluten-free
- Thickens sauces, bakes, soups
- Smooth, silky texture
- 100% arrowroot powder
What We Like:
- Won't change flavor of dishes
- Useful for organic diets
- Traditional extraction process
Buying Guide for Arrowroot Powder
Type of Arrowroot
There are a few different varieties of the arrowroot plant, each with slightly different properties:
- Maranta arundinacea - This is the most common and readily available species. Native to tropical regions of Central America.
- Tacca - Grows primarily in Africa and Asia. Produces arrowroot similar to Maranta arundinacea.
- Pia - From the mountains of South America, has larger roots but lower yield of starch.
For most culinary purposes, Maranta arundinacea or Tacca are preferable over Pia. Maranta arundinacea is the easiest to find and provides sufficient starch yield.
Origin
Arrowroot can be grown and produced throughout various tropical regions. Some popular sources are Brazil, Australia, Thailand, and the Caribbean.
Origin can impact qualities like taste, texture, and price. Arrowroot from Asia may perform slightly differently in cooking compared to Carribean arrowroot. Consider where the arrowroot was sourced from.
Processing Method
Traditionally, arrowroot tubers are washed, cleaned, peeled and reduced to a pulp. The starch is then extracted and purified in various ways:
- Solar drying - Spread pulp out and dried using sunlight.
- Drum drying - Pulp dried using mechanized drums.
- Freeze drying - Frozen and dehydrated.
Solar-dried arrowroot is considered the purest and highest quality. Freeze-dried is also acceptable. Drum drying can degrade some of the starch.
Certified Organic
Opting for certified organic arrowroot ensures the plants were grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This is especially important if using arrowroot medicinally.
Organic arrowroot tends to be more expensive but is worthwhile for avoiding toxins and chemicals.
Texture
When shopping in person, examine the texture and color of the arrowroot powder. It should be:
- Fine, soft powder
- Free of lumps or clumps
- Pure white color
- Little to no odor
Avoid arrowroot that is hard, dried out, beige/yellow, or smelly. This indicates low quality processing and storage.
Price
Arrowroot can range hugely in price depending on the quality, variety, organic certification, and source. Highly refined organic arrowroot may cost more.
Compare prices and look for discounts on bulk sizes. This can lower the per-ounce cost.
Uses
Consider how you plan to use the arrowroot. Some specifics uses require different arrowroot properties:
- Baking - Seek very finely ground, powdery arrowroot
- Sauces - Purchase high-quality arrowroot that gels well
- Gluten-free - Ensure 100% pure arrowroot with no additives
- Medicinal - Choose organic only arrowroot
Getting arrowroot tailored to your exact use will provide the best results.
Key Takeaway: When purchasing arrowroot powder, pay close attention to the variety, origin, processing method, organic certification, texture, price, and intended use. These factors determine the overall quality and performance of the arrowroot powder.
Arrowroot Powder Brands
There are many brands selling arrowroot powder, but some of the best include:
Bob's Red Mill - Offers organic and conventional arrowroot. Known for high-quality grains and gluten-free flours.
Anthony's - Sells conveniently packaged organic and non-organic arrowroot. Available in multiple sizes.
Bragg - Markets USDA certified organic raw arrowroot powder. Soy-free and non-GMO.
Frontier Co-Op - Well-priced organic arrowroot in bulk. Great for big batches of cooking.
Barry Farm - Carries affordable conventional arrowroot in resealable bags.
Spices For Less - Budget-friendly option for buying arrowroot in bulk.
Be cautious of obscure brands selling arrowroot at very cheap prices. This may indicate poor quality or adulterated arrowroot.
FAQs
How should I store arrowroot powder?
Keep arrowroot in an airtight container in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat. As a powder, arrowroot absorbs moisture easily which can cause clumping. Properly stored, it will keep for up to 3 years.
Can I use arrowroot powder to replace cornstarch?
Yes, arrowroot can substitute cornstarch at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe. It will provide clearer, shinier gels and sauces compared to cornstarch. Arrowroot is the better choice for fruit fillings and acidic foods.
Is arrowroot powder gluten-free?
Arrowroot is naturally gluten-free. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can safely consume arrowroot. Always check labels since some brands process arrowroot in facilities that also handle wheat.
Can I use arrowroot powder for baking?
Arrowroot works well in some baked goods by helping promote rising and providing structure. Substitute it for up to 1/4 of the wheat or other flour in recipes. Arrowroot also improves the texture of gluten-free baked items.
Is arrowroot safe to consume?
Food-grade arrowroot powder is considered very safe for consumption with minimal side effects. Some people report an upset stomach or diarrhea if eating large amounts. Introduce arrowroot slowly to test individual tolerance.
What nutrients are in arrowroot powder?
Arrowroot is low in fat and calories but contains modest amounts of folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins. The exact nutrition profile depends on the variety and growing conditions.
Can I use arrowroot powder on my hair and skin?
Yes, arrowroot has traditional uses as a natural hair and skin product. It may help absorb oil, reduce shine, alleviate irritation, and soothe rashes when applied topically. Always patch test first.
Conclusion
Arrowroot powder is a versatile and healthy starch with endless applications in the kitchen and beyond. When purchasing arrowroot, look for organic brands that fit your specific needs and budget.
With minimal preparation needed, arrowroot is an easy way to thicken up sauces, gravies, puddings, soups, baked goods, and even hair and skin DIY projects.
Resources:
- 5 Things You Need to Know About Arrowroot Powder - Downshiftology: Provides a description of arrowroot powder, its properties, and uses in cooking and baking.
- All About Arrowroot Powder: A Natural, Nourishing Talc Substitute - New Directions Aromatics: Discusses the use of arrowroot powder in cosmetics and skincare products.
- How to Use Arrowroot Powder in Your Kitchen and Home - Our Small Hours: Provides three great uses for arrowroot powder in cooking and personal care.
- Arrowroot Powder - Jessica Gavin: Describes arrowroot powder as an effective thickening agent in cooking and baking.
- 7 Best Substitutes for Arrowroot Flour - Clean Eating Kitchen: Lists 7 substitutes for arrowroot powder, including gluten-free, paleo, and grain-free options.