Polvos y almidones

Thicken, gel and bake with powders and starches: cornstarch, potato starch, arrowroot, tapioca, agar, pectin, Cornaby's E-Z Gel and Thick Gel, and gluten-free binders like xanthan and guar gum.

Gel Espeso, Espesante Universal

$21.95
E-Z Gel, Espesante Instantáneo

$14.95
Fécula de Papa, Sin Gluten, Bob's Red Mill

$9.95
Maicena, Ecológica

$10.95
Polvo para hornear, sin gluten, Bob's Red Mill

$7.95
Bicarbonato de sodio, sin gluten, Bob's Red Mill

$6.95
Goma xantana, Bob's Red Mill

$15.95
Tapioca, Perla Pequeña

$5.95

Choose Options
Tapioca, Granulada

$9.95

Choose Options
Levadura en polvo, Rumford

$5.95

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Fécula de Patata

$29.95
Pectina, Pomonas Universal

$9.95

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Product Details

About Polvos y almidones

Pantry thickeners from a family store since 1960

These are the quiet workhorses of from-scratch cooking: they set pie fillings, thicken gravies, firm up jams and hold gluten-free doughs together. We carry them in sizes from 1 oz up to 25 and 55 lb bags, and as a family-run natural foods store, we don't sell what we won't eat.

What you'll find

Starches — organic cornstarch, Rumford non-GMO cornstarch, potato starch, arrowroot powder, small pearl and granulated tapioca.
Clear gels — Cornaby's E-Z Gel (instant) and Thick Gel (cook-type).
Gelling agents — agar powder and Pomona's Universal Pectin for low-sugar jams.
Binders and leaveners — xanthan gum, guar gum, Rumford and Bob's Red Mill baking powder, and baking soda.

Frequently asked questions about Polvos y almidones

What's the difference between E-Z Gel and Thick Gel?

Both are Cornaby's gluten-free, non-GMO modified waxy maize starches that hold up in the fridge or freezer without weeping or thinning. E-Z Gel is instant: whisk it into hot or cold liquid and it thickens in about 10 minutes, no cooking needed. Thick Gel is the cook-type version: mix it with water, then bring your filling or sauce to a boil while stirring. See Thick Gel.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Several starches work. Potato starch tolerates higher heat than cornstarch and suits sauces, gravies and baking. Arrowroot powder has no taste and keeps sauces glossy and clear, and it's good for crisp coatings. Tapioca thickens pies and puddings, and agar sets liquids like gelatin. For thickening without cooking, use Cornaby's E-Z Gel. We carry organic cornstarch and Rumford non-GMO cornstarch too. Try our arrowroot powder.

How do I use agar powder?

Agar is a plant-based gelling powder from red algae and a vegan swap for gelatin. Stir it into room-temperature liquid, bring it to a rolling boil until fully dissolved, pour into molds, and let it set before chilling. Use about 1 teaspoon per cup of liquid for a firm set, ½ to ¾ teaspoon for a soft set, and ⅓ to ½ teaspoon for a jam-like texture. Shop agar powder in 4 oz, 1 lb or 25 lb.

Which of your starches and thickeners are gluten-free?

Several are labeled gluten-free: Cornaby's E-Z Gel and Thick Gel, Bob's Red Mill potato starch and xanthan gum, Rumford cornstarch, and Pomona's Universal Pectin. Starches are naturally free of wheat, but our own-packed arrowroot, tapioca, potato starch, agar and guar gum aren't certified gluten-free, and some are packed in a facility that also handles wheat. If you need certainty, choose the labeled items. See E-Z Gel.

What do xanthan gum and guar gum do in gluten-free baking?

They stand in for gluten. In gluten-free breads, cakes and pastries, xanthan gum thickens and binds, giving doughs structure and elasticity, while guar gum, made from the guar bean, thickens and binds too. Recipes typically call for small amounts. We carry Bob's Red Mill xanthan gum (8 oz) and guar gum (1 lb), plus psyllium husks, which our gluten-free bread mixes also use. Try xanthan gum.

Do you sell starches in bulk sizes?

Yes, several. Agar powder comes in 4 oz, 1 lb and 25 lb, and small pearl tapioca in 1, 5 and 55 lb. Potato starch comes in a 5 lb bag, arrowroot in 24 oz and 4.5 lb, granulated tapioca in 1 and 5 lb, and Rumford non-GMO cornstarch in a 3 lb container. Need more for a bakery or food business? Ask about wholesale at business.countrylifefoods.com, where there's no minimum order.