11 Easy Alternatives to Glutinous Rice Flour
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Looking for alternatives to glutinous rice flour? There are many alternatives, whether you’re out or seeking a gluten-free option. This list includes 11 easy substitutes to maintain the right texture in your recipes, from desserts to savory dishes, without compromising taste.

What is glutinous rice flour?
Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, is rice grown mainly in Southeast and East Asia. Despite its name, it’s naturally gluten-free and gets its “glutinous” label from its sticky, glue-like texture when cooked. This unique texture results from its high amylopectin content, a component of starch, which makes the rice more cohesive and less likely to separate when cooked.
Glutinous rice is often used in traditional Asian recipes, such as sushi, rice cakes, dim sum, and desserts like Thai mango sticky rice. Its chewy, dense quality is ideal for dishes that require a firm texture to hold ingredients together or add a satisfying bite.
Glutinous rice offers several health benefits due to its rich nutrient content, including anthocyanins, vitamin E, flavonoids, and oryzanol. Key health benefits include:
- Contains compounds like anthocyanins that help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promote blood flow, and inhibit inflammation, thus potentially preventing heart disease and slowing aging.
- Contains high levels of flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, which have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties, making it beneficial for overall health.
- Phytochemicals in glutinous rice can inhibit tumor growth and inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues.
- The fiber content in glutinous rice helps regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels, making it a healthier alternative to regular rice, particularly for individuals with diabetes or high cholesterol.
For example, two recipes made with glutinous rice flour are the Chinese Red Bean Cake Recipe and the Chinese Pumpkin Cake.
1. Almond flour
Almond flour is another excellent alternative for glutinous rice flour, providing a similar consistency for recipes like Japanese rice cakes, pancakes, dumplings, and rice noodles. However, unlike glutinous rice flour, almond flour lacks sticky quality, so it may not work as well in recipes that need extra stickiness, such as mochi.

- Almond flour is rich in protein, which can support muscle health, aid in satiety, and contribute to balanced energy levels.
- It’s packed with essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, making it a nourishing choice for those seeking added health benefits in their recipes.
- Almond flour may help reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol due to its high monounsaturated fat content, which is associated with improved heart health.
- With its low carbohydrate content and higher fiber, almond flour can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Almond flour is an excellent option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, offering a safe and tasty alternative to wheat-based flour.
2. Arrowroot flour
Arrowroot flour is one of the top alternatives for glutinous rice flour. Although it doesn’t match the exact consistency of sticky rice flour, it absorbs more liquid, so less liquid is needed when cooking with it. One important note is that arrowroot powder has a mildly bitter taste, making it ideal for recipes with strong flavors, like chili or curry.

- Known for its soothing properties, arrowroot flour can help relieve stomach discomfort and is often used to manage symptoms like diarrhea due to its easy digestibility.
- Arrowroot is a good source of essential minerals, including potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, contributing to overall health and wellness.
- With a lower calorie count than many other flours, arrowroot can be a lighter choice for those looking to reduce calorie intake.
- Surprisingly, arrowroot contains a moderate amount of protein, which is beneficial for those seeking plant-based protein sources.
- Arrowroot is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable flour alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
- Easily digestible, arrowroot is often included in foods for children, such as bread and biscuits, as it’s gentle and unlikely to cause digestive issues.
3. Brown rice flour
Brown rice flour is a suitable alternative to glutinous rice flour, though it is less refined, which may result in a slightly different texture in your dish. To achieve a smoother consistency, consider sifting the brown rice flour before incorporating it into your recipe. Additionally, brown rice flour is denser than glutinous rice flour, making it unsuitable for use as a leavening agent. However, it works well as a thickening agent in various dishes.

- Brown rice flour retains the bran, germ, and endosperm, preserving its nutritional content. It is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
- It contains 7.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, making it a valuable source of protein compared to other rice varieties.
- Brown rice flour has a significant fiber content (4.6 grams per 100 grams), which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- It is a good source of important minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and copper, which contribute to various bodily functions, including bone health and immune support.
- Brown rice has a low glycemic index (50), which helps in managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes.
- It contains phenols and flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help reduce cell damage and lower the risk of premature aging.
- Brown rice flour is a safe alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
4. Chapssal flour
Chapssal flour is an excellent alternative to sweet rice flour, as it is derived from a Korean variety of glutinous rice known as chapssal. Its fine, powdery texture makes it ideal for creating delicate sweets, particularly in Japanese cuisine, where it is commonly used to make sweet dumplings. To enhance its stickiness and mimic the texture of traditional glutinous rice flour, you can incorporate ingredients like eggs, egg whites, or cornstarch into your recipes. This adjustment helps achieve a more authentic consistency in various dishes.

BENEFITS:
- It is ideal for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, as it is naturally gluten-free.
- Rich in amylopectin gives it a sticky texture, making it excellent for traditional dishes like rice cakes and dumplings.
- It can enhance the texture and flavor of a variety of recipes, including desserts, soups, and savory dishes.
- Integral to many Asian cuisines, particularly in Korean and Chinese dishes, promoting cultural culinary practices.
- Provides a chewy, soft texture to foods, making them more enjoyable and appealing.
5. Coconut flour
Coconut flour is a viable substitute for glutinous rice flour, imparting a subtle coconut flavor to sweet baked goods. It excels in recipes that require a higher egg content, as it quickly absorbs moisture and helps provide structure. However, coconut flour can be quite drying, which may lead to heavy and dense baked goods if used in excess. Therefore, it is advisable to use it in smaller amounts when baking to maintain the desired texture and moisture level in your recipes.

- Coconut flour contains around 60 g of dietary fiber per 100 g, which can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut. This high fiber content is associated with reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Coconut flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Coconut flour can promote feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management.
- Coconut has a glycemic lowering effect, which can help moderate post-prandial blood glucose and insulin responses, beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
6. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a widely used alternative to glutinous rice flour, easily found in most grocery stores and supermarkets. It has a neutral flavor and a texture that closely resembles that of glutinous rice flour. However, it’s important to note that cornstarch is less sticky and does not absorb flavors as well as glutinous rice flour. When substituting cornstarch for glutinous rice flour, it’s recommended to use twice the amount of cornstarch to achieve similar results.

- The starch contains essential components such as starch, non-starch polysaccharides, protein, and lipids making it a vital source of energy.
- Rich in dietary fiber. This fiber supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to weight management.
- Corn products generally have a low glycemic index, which means they can help moderate blood sugar levels, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar.
- Corn starch and its derivatives are used in various food applications, acting as thickeners, gelling agents, and bulking agents. These properties enhance the texture and nutritional value of food products.
7. Mochiko flour
Mochiko flour is one of the best alternatives for glutinous rice flour, depending on what type of food you are cooking and your desired texture. Generally, you can use mochiko flour in savory and sweet dishes, and the results will be as good as those made with glutinous rice flour. The best thing about mochiko flour is that it is readily available in Asian markets and online. You can also make it at home by combining rice flour and cornstarch in equal proportions.

BENEFITS
- It’s a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities, suitable for various recipes.
- It is ideal for traditional Japanese desserts like mochi, providing a unique and enjoyable chewiness.
- While mainly carbohydrates, it retains some vitamins and minerals from the rice, contributing energy.
8. Potato starch
Potato starch is one of the most common alternatives for glutinous rice flour and is suitable for various recipes. However, remember that it doesn’t have the same sweet taste and sticky quality as glutinous rice flour, so it might not be ideal for desserts. When using it as a substitute for glutinous rice flour, use a 1:1 ratio. Adding an extra cup of liquid is also recommended.

- Lower blood cholesterol levels
- Eliminate excess fluid from the body
- Inhibit inflammatory processes
- Prevent the formation of cancerous tumors
- Strengthen the immune system
- Regulate metabolic processes
- Enhance digestive system function
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Decrease acidity levels
- Prevent the development of ulcers
9. Rice flour
If glutinous rice flour is unavailable, regular rice flour can serve as one of the alternatives. Made from ground long- or medium-grain rice, rice flour offers a slightly different flavor but works well in recipes that call for glutinous rice flour. However, white rice flour lacks the stickiness of glutinous rice flour so the texture may differ. Its wider availability makes it a more convenient option for many.

- Rice products, including rice flour, are easily digestible, making them suitable for the elderly and infants.
- Rice flour is naturally gluten-free, offering an alternative for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Rice flour’s mild flavor and unique texture make it a versatile ingredient in various recipes, enhancing both traditional and modern dishes.
- Methods like semi-dry milling yield rice flour with better stability and texture, contributing to the quality of rice-based foods.
10. Shiratamako flour
Shiratamako flour, made from glutinous rice, has a slightly sweeter flavor than regular glutinous flour, making it an excellent alternative for many recipes. It’s commonly used in Japan to create sweet dumplings and has a smooth, fluffy, and chewy texture. You can also make this flour at home by grinding glutinous rice in a coffee grinder or food processor.

- Integral to Japanese confectionery, such as Dango, enhancing cultural culinary practices.
- Contains no gluten-related proteins, making it suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Can be modified to produce low-protein rice products, beneficial for individuals with chronic kidney disease who need to limit protein intake.
- Suitable for various processed foods, including cakes and bread, due to improvements in milling techniques that create fine, consistent particle sizes.
- Low-protein rice flour products may help those requiring dietary restrictions while maintaining acceptable taste and texture in food products.
11. Tapioca flour
Both glutinous rice flour and tapioca flour share a similar starchy texture. While tapioca starch is one of the versatile and tasty alternatives to glutinous rice flour, it lacks the same sticky consistency, so you’ll need to use less of it in your recipes. Additionally, since tapioca flour is sweeter than glutinous rice flour, you’ll need to adjust the sugar content in the recipe accordingly.

- Low in protein, fat, and ash, and contains some fiber, making it a good carbohydrate source.
- Includes slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS), which help regulate blood sugar and support gut health.
- They were used in various food products (baking, noodles, sweeteners) and non-food industries (textiles, adhesives).
- Generally safe for those with food allergies, offering a versatile alternative in cooking and baking.
Final thoughts
Just because you don’t have glutinous rice flour on hand doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy your favorite sweet rice flour recipes.
The options for those exploring alternatives to glutinous rice flour are plentiful and diverse. Whether you’re seeking gluten-free solutions or simply find yourself without this staple, each alternative comes with its unique benefits, from the nutty richness of almond flour to the delicate chewiness of mochiko flour.
By experimenting with these substitutes, you can maintain the integrity of your dishes while accommodating dietary needs or personal preferences. Go ahead and try it for yourselves!