# 4 More Psyllium Husk Substitute Ideas to Try

URL: https://tastessence.com/substitutes/psyllium-husk-substitute
Category: Substitutes
Published: 2020-10-11T15:10:35
Updated: 2020-10-07T15:15:35
We’ve previously shared some of the **best psyllium husk substitute options**, including flaxseed, almond flour, and chia seeds. But if you don’t have any of those ingredients on hand, there are a number of **other psyllium husk substitutes** you might have at home. We will discuss these in more detail below. Keep reading to learn about other **easy-to-find ingredients** you can use in place of psyllium husk.

## Cornstarch

**Cornstarch is one of the easiest swaps for [psyllium husk](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/psyllium-husk-powder-substitute)** since most households probably already have it in their cupboards. If you’re using cornstarch instead of psyllium in baking and other recipes, **use twice as much cornstarch as you would psyllium husk.** For example, if your dish calls for one tablespoon of psyllium, you would add two tablespoons of cornstarch in its place. Like psyllium husk, **most cornstarch is gluten-free,** so it can be used if you have an intolerance to gluten. If that’s a concern for you, read the label closely before buying.

## Arrowroot starch or powder

If you can’t consume corn-based products like cornstarch, **consider using arrowroot as a psyllium husk substitute**. As with cornstarch and psyllium, arrowroot is naturally gluten-free and has a **fine, powdery consistency** that is easy to use in baked goods. Since it’s tasteless, **you can also use arrowroot to thicken up sauces.** When replacing psyllium husk with arrowroot, there’s no conversion necessary. Simply use the **same amount of arrowroot as psyllium**, as required by your recipe.

## Xanthan gum

You’ve probably heard of **[xanthan gum](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/xanthan-gum-substitute) being used in foods like ice cream, syrup, and sauces.** Like the other substitute ideas on this list, xanthan gum is a thickening agent that makes for an acceptable psyllium husk substitute. However, you should **carefully calculate how much xanthan gum is needed** to replace psyllium or other flour-like substances. For every part psyllium that your recipe calls for, **use only one-third or half the amount of xanthan gum.** [**Xanthan gum**](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/xanthan-gum) **is also used in personal care products** (like toothpaste and shampoo) and industrial products (like paint and adhesives). As such, there is some controversy surrounding its use in food. Before you buy xanthan gum, **do some research to find out if you’re comfortable** using it in your recipes.

## Tapioca starch

Finally, **tapioca starch (also called tapioca flour or tapioca powder)** offers another useful alternative to psyllium husk. It is made from the cassava root and does not contain gluten, so **it can be used in all of your gluten-free baked goods and dishes.** Tapioca starch adds a **delightfully chewy taste to your cookies.** It can also be used to thicken up sauces and soups. Using tapioca starch in place of psyllium husk is simple -- **just swap it out in a 1:1 ratio.** While psyllium husk is **gaining popularity as a gluten-free, fiber-rich addition to many recipes**, it can still be difficult to find it outside of health-food stores and large grocery stores. If you need a **psyllium husk substitute**, one of these four options should work just as well. For more ingredient substitutes and recipe ideas, [**check out the Tastessence blog.**](https://tastessence.com/)