When in a pinch, finding the best sweet potato flour substitute is very helpful.
After all, you may have ran out of this flour, yet you have a recipe to finish. This is why it is good to be aware of what these good alternatives to sweet potato flour are.
Whether you are baking breads or other types of pastries, consider these excellent options for a sweet potato flour substitute that you never knew. Let’s get right into it.
Great Sweet Potato Flour Substitute
What we like about sweet potato flour is that it is a versatile ingredient you can use in various recipes such as cakes, breads, waffles, pancakes and so much more. But if you have an allergic reaction to sweet potato, then it is a good idea to find a substitute for this type of flour.
It may be a challenge for some to find a good alternative to it. Yet, there are a few options if you can find them. Here are among the most common traditional options and gluten-free flour recommendations you can try:
1. Arrowroot flour
This is a great gluten-free option and an excellent substitute for sweet potato flour. Basically, arrowroot flour is sourced from the arrowroot plant’s root, hence the name. The flavor is slightly sweet and it has a light texture. With the similarity in the texture as with the sweet potato flour, it works perfectly well as a substitute for it. You can use arrowroot flour to thicken your gravies and sauces. Thus, it is a fantastic ingredient that is quite versatile to use in several recipes.
2. Cassava flour
Another popular option for gluten-free cooking and as a substitute for sweet potato flour, cassava flour works well for your cooking. This flour comes from the cassava plant’s root, and it resembles the texture and flavor of the sweet potato flour. If you are sensitive to gluten or you simply do not have sweet potato flour at home for your recipes, then you can most definitely use cassava flour as an alternative. Additionally, it is low in carbohydrates, yet high in fiber. This makes it a healthier choice to your traditional wheat flour.
3. Potato flour
When you dehydrate ground potatoes, you can get potato flour out of it. And yes, it is a great sweet potato flour substitute when you do not have any in the kitchen. As with the other recommendations we have shared, the flavor is similar, as well as the texture. Now, do keep in mind that there is a difference between potato flour and potato starch, when it comes to usage and texture. This is why it is best not to interchange the two and stick to potato flour when you do not have sweet potato flour for your recipe.
4. Tapioca flour
Next up, we have tapioca flour. It is also a gluten-free flour option when you have zero sweet potato flour at home. Just like with our other recommendations above, the taste is mildly sweet and the texture is smooth and silky. It works great when you need something to thicken your gravies and sauces. You can also use tapioca flour as an alternative to cornstarch when your recipe calls for it. This is a versatile flour that is indeed a must-have in the kitchen.
5. Squash flour
And lastly, we have the squash flour. This is produced from grinding up dehydrated squash, and you can use this flour in place of the sweet potato flour. Aside from having a similar texture and taste, we also like the fact that this flour is highly nutritious. In fact, it is the most nutritious among the other ones we recommended above. This flour is an outstanding source of vitamin C and A, so if you want a flour that will not only make your recipes delicious but also has a similarity to wheat flour or sweet potato flour but with a better nutritional profile, then squash flour is your best bet.
Additional Facts About Sweet Potato Flour
Now that you know the best sweet potato flour substitute you can use for your recipes, we would like to add a few other details about this flour, which makes it great for your dishes.
This flour is gluten-free, which is suitable for people who suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is nutritious and rich in iron, potassium, vitamin C and A. If you want to improve your immune system, then the vitamin C contents in sweet potato flour can help with that. Moreover, it has some potassium in it, which supports good heart function and healthy blood pressure.
As for the iron content in this flour, this aids in supporting the health of your red blood cells. With the low percentage of carbohydrates and high fiber in sweet potato flour, this is excellent for those who are going on a high fiber and low carb diet for weight loss and health reasons.
You can use sweet potato flour in a number of ways. It is great for use in sauces, gravies, and even breads. If your recipe calls for cornstarch, yet you do not have one, then sweet potato flour is the best choice to use.
But do keep in mind that sweet potato flour has a sweet taste. This is why if you want to make your recipe less sweet, then you would need to adjust the ratio to avoid an undesirable flavor to your recipe.
Now, as for storing this flour, you need to make sure that you keep it in a tightly sealed, airtight container. It is best to keep it in a dry and cool place, which helps to preserve its freshness and flavor profile. Storing it in the refrigerator also helps in prolonging its lifespan.
Bottom Line
Sweet potato flour is a fantastic choice for any gluten-free recipe. However, there may be times when you do not have this flour available, which is why it is good to know what the best substitutes are. We hope this post has been helpful for you in understanding more about the alternatives to sweet potato flour, best ways to use these flours and some proper storage techniques to keep in mind.
