Ingredients are tricky sometimes. Knowing the differences and how to use them when cooking is important. Two such ingredients sound similar but are very different. Here are the basics you need to know about Potato Starch vs Potato Flour.
What is Potato Starch?
Potato starch is made when the starch of the tuber is extracted and processed. Once refined, it is finely ground into a white powder which is potato starch.
Potato Starch Nutrition
Potato starch is refined and contains little protein, fat, and nutrients. According to DrAxe.com, 1 Tablespoon is about 40 calories, contains 10 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of protein, fat, and fiber.
What Is Potato Starch Used For?
Potato starch is commonly used in cooking various recipes and as an additive to processed foods. It is also a popular cooking and baking ingredient for those living a gluten free lifestyle as it is gluten free.
Here are some ways it is used in cooking and baking.
- As a thickener for gravies, sauces, soups, stews and pie fillings.
- Potato Starch helps keep breads and rolls soft and fresh longer because of its moisture holding ability.
- It increases crispiness in baked goods.
- It is sometimes used commercially to keep packaged shredded cheese from sticking together.
Potato Starch Benefits
While it is not highly nutritious, potato starch does have its benefits.
- High quality brands are safe for those with food allergies to gluten, dairy, grains, and soy.
- It has high binding power in baked goods.
- The flavor is neutral.
Where to Find Potato Starch
Potato starch is often found in the gluten free, baking or natural foods aisles of grocery stores. Brands such as Bob’s Red Mill or Anthony’s Organic are also available online.
Now that Potato Starch has been discussed, let’s move on to Potato Flour.
What is Potato Flour
Potato flour is made from whole potatoes that have been peeled, cooked and dried. Once dried, they are ground into a fine powder that is the off white or light beige in color.
Potato Flour Nutrition
Potato flour has about 36 calories per Tablespoon. It contains protein, iron, zinc, potassium, fiber and other nutrients. It also contains vitamins such as B6, vitamin C and Niacin.
What Is Potato Flour Used for?
Here are some uses for potato flour.
- It is used to thicken soups, stews, sauces, and gravies.
- Potato flour is used in gluten free flour blends.
- It helps gluten free baked products retain moisture and stay fresh longer.
- When used in a coating for foods that are fried, potato flour helps create a crispy texture.
Potato Flour Benefits
Here are a few benefits of potato flour.
- It is not as highly processed as potato starch.
- Potato Flour helps gluten free and traditional baked goods retain moisture and creates a more tender crumb.
- It contains nutritional benefits in the form of fiber, B vitamins and iron.
Where to Find Potato Flour
Potato Flour can be found in the baking, gluten free or natural foods aisles of grocery stores. It is also available online from brands such as Bob’s Red Mill or Authentic Foods.
| Ingredient | Nutrition | Uses | Benefits | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potato Starch | 40 calories per Tbs. Contains 10 grams of carbohydrates. Contains 0 grams of protein, fat, and fiber. | A thickener for gravies, sauces, soups, stews and pie fillings. Keeps breads and rolls soft and fresh longer because of its moisture holding ability. Increases crispiness in baked goods. Commercially used for keeping packaged shredded cheese from sticking together. | High quality brands are safe for those with food allergies to gluten, dairy, grains, and soy. Has high binding power in baked goods. Neutral Flavor. | Found in the gluten free, baking or natural foods aisles of grocery stores. Found online at stores like Amazon and Bobs Red Mill. |
| Potato Flour | 36 calories per Tbs. Contains protein, iron, zinc, potassium, fiber and other nutrients. Contains vitamins such as B6, vitamin C and Niacin. | A thickener for gravies, sauces, soups, and stews. Used in gluten free flour blends. It helps gluten free baked products retain moisture and stay fresh longer. Used in coating for fried foods to create a crispy texture. | It is not as highly processed as potato starch. Helps gluten free and traditional baked goods retain moisture and creates a more tender crumb. Contains nutritional benefits in the form of fiber, B vitamins and iron. | Found in the gluten free, baking or natural foods aisles of grocery stores. Found online at stores like Amazon. |
Overall
When first looking at these ingredients by name, it is easy to see how they can be easily confused and when you should use potato starch vs potato flour.
Now that you have a better understanding of each ingredient, you can make an informed decision on which ingredient is best suited for your cooking needs.
Find even more gluten free ideas on YouTube and Pinterest.
More Resources
How to Go Gluten Free – This is a great beginners guide for someone just starting a gluten free lifestyle.
How to Cook Gluten Free Pasta Like a Pro – Gluten Free Pasta can be mushy. Learn some tips and tricks for getting the best results.
15 Gluten Free Flours for Baking – With so many gluten free flours, which one do you choose?
How to Buy Measuring Cups – What are liquid and dry measuring cups. Should you use glass or plastic? This guide will help.
