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There is no denying that potato flakes are everyone’s favorite, from decadent toppings to appetizing.
Its versatility and delicious flavor are just so satisfying in numerous recipes – no wonder it has won a golden spot in the grocery stores worldwide.
But what happens if you have no potato flakes on hand?
Are there good potato flakes substitutes that you can immediately use? Yes, there are many suitable potato flakes alternatives that you can use, such as wheat flour, tapioca flour, rice flour, cornstarch, arrowroot, etc.
Whether you intend on using potato flakes as a thickening agent in a recipe such as a soup, gravy, stew, sauce, or whatnot, we have exclusively listed some great Potato flakes alternatives that will provide similar results below.
Best Potato Flakes Substitutes To Try
You should know that each of these potato flakes substitutes has a subtly different flavor and texture profile. Well, half bread is better than none.
But No Jokes! You’ll be happy you used them, as they all have a beautifully balanced taste, texture, and adaptability, which will complement your recipes.
So stick around to find out what potato flakes substitute would be ideal for your recipe because we’ll be discussing all of that on this page.
1. Tapioca flour
Tapioca flour (also known as cassava flour rooted from vegetable cassava) is a preferable alternative even though they are less dense than potato flake. Also, their taste and physical properties are quite different from potato flake
But on the bright side, they operate just like them in many recipes and are gluten-free. They will provide similar outcomes, although the overall result might differ.
This is because tapioca flour is far finer than potato flakes. So it will unapologetically result in fluffier bread and lighter thickening with a semi-sweet undertone, unlike potato flavor.
Well, if you still have plans on using the Tapioca flour, ensure to substitute this ingredient at a 1-to-1 ratio.
Related Post: Best Corn Flour Substitutes
2. Rice flour
Rice flour can also be a replacement when thickening stews, gravies, soups, and sauces.
To get the same results as with potato flakes, you have to double the amount of rice flour compared to tomato flakes.
But before that, you want to mix it into hot or cold water – only then will it work well in your meals.
This ingredient is also ideal for making a roux, which is also used in thickening sauces.
3. Wheat Flour
And last of the flour item is wheat flour – a good source of thiamine, iron, niacin, calcium, vitamin B6, and many more.
And like rice flour, you’d have to use them twice as much to get the same results as potato flakes.
Do not forget to mix in cold or hot water before slowly adding them to your recipe. Alternatively, you can make a roux with them for use in gravy, stews, as well as soups.
4. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is another great thickening and stabilizing agent.
However, this time its thickening prowess is far greater than other alternatives, even to potato flakes. Therefore, it should be used with utmost care.
You want to use it less to get the same result – probably half the number of potato flakes, or for every 1 part potato flake, use 4 parts Xanthan gum.
They are roots from sugar, and this sugar could have been gotten from any source like corn, soy, dairy, or wheat, etc.
Read Also: Best Wheat Starch Substitutes
5. Arrowroot
Arrowroot is an extract made from the root of the maranta arundinacea plant.
They are very much appreciated for their gluten-free, little and no taste or color add-ons to our cooking.
Thus, this makes them an excellent agent for thickening sweets, sour sauces, and whatnot. But endeavor to season well when using them.
Moreover, if you have gluten intolerance (like I sometimes do), the Arrowroot is your best bet, as there is insufficient gluten in them.
In addition, they can be used for noodles, biscuits, jellies, puddings, cakes, hot sauces, and beef, tea, veal broth, and milk. Just ensure you use it as a 1:1 ratio.
6. Cornstarch
Yes! Cornstarch is among the most commonly used Potato flakes substitute in a pinch for a wide variety of recipes.
They are FAIRLY cheap and serve the same goal as a thickening agent for stews, gravies, sauces, and soups. But just like the rest, they also lack that flavor potato flake brings.
Lastly, cornstarch will be a 1:1 substitute for potato flakes in your meals. Nothing more; nothing less!
7. Potato Starch
And last but not least is potato starch – extracted from potato itself and offer a gluten-free variation. Again this is a preferable alternative if you’re gluten irritated.
You can apply them to thicken your sauces, gravies, stews, and soups.
Above all, they surpass the others we’ve mentioned so far because they have the bonus of having a CLOSER flavor to potato flakes. And it offers few calories which are beneficial health-wise.
Read Also: Ranch Dressing Mix Substitutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Are potato flakes healthy?
In as much as they are cheap and multi-purposeful, Potato flakes are healthy.
They are among the lists of dehydrated potato products as a significant form of starch in emergencies.
They are fortified with proteins and are craved because they are a good source of micronutrients and macro minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, carbs, and vitamin B6.
And this is why they are excellent for children and people who are ill or having difficulties eating.
What Are Potato Flakes Made Of?
Potato flakes are flat chunks of dehydrated mashed potatoes.
How are they made?
The potatoes are cooked and mashed, then crushed by rollers on the surface of a drum to form a sheet that can be broken up and ground to the required density.
Aside from that, potato flakes can be used anywhere where one would use mashed potatoes.
Are Potato Flakes the Same as Instant Potatoes?
Yes, potato flakes and instant potatoes are quite the same and can be used interchangeably for the same purposes.
Are potato flakes real potatoes?
Yes, they are. Although not necessarily as real when compared to fresh potatoes.
Don’t forget Potato flakes are extracted from natural fresh potatoes but are dehydrated and ground down into flakes.
However, there is no loss of nutrients and vitamins or whatsoever throughout the process, apart from Vitamin C loss.
Moreover, the chemical preservatives and additives such as Bisulfite, Sodium, BHA, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Monoglycerides, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, and Butter Oil are then incorporated into the mixture to increase shelf-life.
Conclusion
In summary, you have seen numerous potato flakes substitutes you can use in a wide variety of meals – whether it’s soups, stews, sauces, graves, or tasty baked goods.
And one last thing: you should keep in mind that potato flakes add some spiciness, so when substituting them for another ingredient, ensure you use more seasoning.
Also, if you’ve got other food curiosities, be sure to check other related articles below. We’re foodies constantly adding interesting food facts to our blog to spice your life throughout your healthy journey.
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