Rice Flour vs Tapioca Starch
Density, calorie, and weight differences — and whether they can substitute for each other.
Substitution Verdict
Density difference: 5.6%. Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe.
Calories per 100 g: Rice Flour 366 kcal vs Tapioca Starch 358 kcal. Difference: 8 kcal — Rice Flour is higher.
Weight Conversions (per Spoon and Cup)
| Measure | Rice Flour | Tapioca Starch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 8 g | 8 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 2.7 g | 2.7 g |
| 1 cup | 130 g | 125 g |
| Density | 0.55 g/ml | 0.52 g/ml |
Measuring Tips
Rice flour and glutinous rice flour look similar but behave very differently. Rice flour: harder texture when cooked. Glutinous: chewy and sticky. Don't substitute.
Tapioca makes glossy fillings, unlike cornstarch which gives matte finish. Use 1:2 ratio if substituting cornstarch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rice Flour be substituted for Tapioca Starch?▾
Very similar — 1:1 substitution is usually safe. Density of Rice Flour is 0.55 g/ml; Tapioca Starch is 0.52 g/ml — a 5.6% difference. But flavor, moisture, and chemistry can still differ — verify suitability for the specific recipe.
How many grams in 1 tablespoon of Rice Flour vs Tapioca Starch?▾
1 tbsp Rice Flour ≈ 8 g. 1 tbsp Tapioca Starch ≈ 8 g. By weight: 1 tbsp Rice Flour = 1.00 tbsp Tapioca Starch.
Which has more calories, Rice Flour or Tapioca Starch?▾
Per 100 g: Rice Flour 366 kcal, Tapioca Starch 358 kcal. Rice Flour has 8 more kcal.
What is Rice Flour typically used for?▾
Rice Flour is commonly used in: Asian desserts, rice noodles, tempura batter, gluten-free baking. Source: usda-fdc.
What is Tapioca Starch typically used for?▾
Tapioca Starch is commonly used in: fruit pies, boba pearls, Brazilian cheese bread, gluten-free baking. Source: usda-fdc.