Running low on rice flour? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About rice flour
Rice flour is a finely milled flour made from ground white or brown rice, used extensively in gluten-free baking and Asian cuisines. It produces a light, slightly gritty texture and is valued for its neutral flavour and crisp finish when fried or baked. Its lack of gluten makes it unsuitable as a direct one-to-one swap in conventional baking without additional binding agents.
Best substitute
A commercial gluten-free plain flour blend typically contains rice flour as its base and includes xanthan gum and starches, making it the closest functional swap for rice flour in most recipes. It replicates texture and binding with no extra adjustments needed.
Alternative
Tapioca flour is another gluten-free starch that works well as a thickener and in light batters, producing a slightly chewier, glossier result than rice flour. It is best used in combination with other flours rather than as a sole substitute in baking.
Alternative
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | rice flour |
| New Zealand | rice flour |
| United Kingdom | rice flour |
| United States | rice flour |
Cornflour (cornstarch) is an excellent substitute for rice flour when used as a thickener or in light batters, giving a very similar crispy finish when fried. It is too fine and starchy to replace rice flour in bulk baking applications.
Alternative
Almond meal is a gluten-free alternative that works in cakes and biscuits where a moist, slightly dense crumb is acceptable. It adds a nutty flavour and higher fat content, so recipes may need adjustments to liquid and leavening.
Alternative
Buckwheat flour is a naturally gluten-free flour with a robust, earthy flavour that can stand in for rice flour in pancakes, crepes, and some baked goods. Its strong taste makes it unsuitable where a neutral flavour is required.