Is Arrowroot Non-Toxic? Your Guide to Safety and Use

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Historically used for over 7,000 years in the Caribbean and South America, arrowroot is primarily valued for its digestible starch. In general, the powder form of arrowroot (from the Maranta arundinacea plant) is widely regarded as safe for consumption, but understanding its proper use is key to confirming if arrowroot is non-toxic for your specific application.

Quick Summary

Arrowroot powder is generally considered safe for consumption when used in typical food amounts. Safety concerns arise mainly with excessive, medicinal doses or the consumption of contaminated arrowroot juice. This guide explores its safe culinary uses, health benefits, and considerations for babies and pets.

Key Points

Generally Safe for Culinary Use: Arrowroot powder is non-toxic when used as a food thickener or ingredient in normal amounts.
Safe for Babies and Pets: Due to its easy digestibility and non-toxic nature, arrowroot is safe for consumption by babies and dogs in moderation.
High-Dose Caution: Avoid using large, medicinal quantities of arrowroot without professional medical advice, as excessive amounts can cause digestive discomfort.
Gluten-Free and Allergen-Friendly: Arrowroot is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Check for Purity: Always purchase pure arrowroot powder, as some commercially processed versions may contain additives.
Know the Source: Commercially available arrowroot powder comes from the safe Maranta arundinacea plant, though other non-toxic plants can also be called arrowroot.

What is Arrowroot and Why Do We Use It?

Arrowroot powder is a fine, white, and flavorless starch extracted from the rhizomes of the tropical Maranta arundinacea plant. It is primarily known for its thickening properties in culinary applications and as a hypoallergenic, gluten-free alternative to other starches like cornstarch. Its long history includes both culinary and traditional medicinal uses, such as soothing digestive issues and skin irritations.

The Science of Arrowroot's Safety

Arrowroot's safety is largely attributed to its composition and gentle nature. The starch is highly digestible, making it a common ingredient in baby food and for individuals with sensitive stomachs. It is also naturally gluten-free and non-GMO, offering a safe alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, as with any food product, safety depends on proper usage and avoiding adulterated products.

Safe Culinary Uses of Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. It is often used as a thickening agent for gravies, sauces, soups, and fruit pie fillings. It provides a clear, glossy finish and remains stable when frozen and thawed, unlike cornstarch.

Here are a few ways to safely incorporate it into your cooking:

As a Thickener: Create a slurry by mixing arrowroot powder with a cool liquid before adding it to your hot dish near the end of cooking. This prevents clumping and maintains its thickening power.
In Baking: Use it in gluten-free baking to improve the texture of baked goods like cookies and crackers.
For Crispy Coatings: Dust meat, fish, or tofu with arrowroot powder before pan-frying to create a deliciously crispy exterior.
In Ice Cream: It can be added to homemade ice cream to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, resulting in a smoother texture.

Is Arrowroot Safe for Babies and Pets?

For babies, arrowroot is commonly added to weaning foods like porridge due to its easy digestibility and nutritional content, including folate, which is vital for development. Parents can introduce it gradually after six months, but excessive amounts should be avoided as they can lead to digestive discomfort.

For dogs, arrowroot is also considered non-toxic and can offer digestive benefits due to its prebiotic fiber. It can be a gluten-free starch replacement in homemade treats, helping to soothe sensitive stomachs. The ASPCA even lists Queensland Arrowroot as non-toxic to dogs and cats, though the starch is derived from Maranta arundinacea. As always, a veterinarian should be consulted before making dietary changes for pets.

Comparison of Arrowroot and Cornstarch


Feature	Arrowroot	Cornstarch
Source	Rhizomes of tropical plants (Maranta arundinacea)	Kernel of corn
Flavor Profile	Neutral, clean taste	Can have a slightly detectable 'starchy' flavor
Appearance	Produces a clear, glossy finish	Can result in a cloudy finish
Temperature Tolerance	Breaks down under prolonged high heat, best added at the end of cooking	More stable at high temperatures, but can be added at the end of cooking
Freezing	Thickened sauces and fillings freeze and thaw well	Tends to break down and become spongy after freezing and thawing
Dairy	Can become slimy when used with dairy products	Better suited for dairy-based sauces and liquids
Allergens	Naturally gluten-free and grain-free	Naturally gluten-free, but derived from a grain (corn)
Processing	Generally less processed, extracted from the plant's root	Can undergo a more intense refining process

Potential Side Effects and When to Be Cautious

While generally safe, there are some situations where caution is advised. As noted by WebMD, excessive, medicinal amounts of arrowroot can lead to digestive issues like constipation or stomach discomfort. A 2009 study also reported two cases of toxic hepatitis linked to consuming arrowroot juice in large quantities, a practice different from using the powder in food. Those with a specific allergy to arrowroot, while rare, may experience symptoms such as hives, swelling, or digestive upset. It is also important to note that the arrowroot plant is sometimes confused with other toxic species, but the commercially available powder from Maranta arundinacea is not toxic when used correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to "is arrowroot non-toxic?" is a definitive yes for general culinary use. As a food-grade starch, arrowroot powder derived from the Maranta arundinacea plant is a safe, versatile, and easily digestible ingredient. It is a valuable gluten-free substitute in cooking and baking, and it can be safely introduced to babies and dogs in appropriate amounts. To ensure safety, always use arrowroot powder in moderate culinary quantities, consult a healthcare professional before using it in medicinal doses, and be aware of any potential allergies. As with any food, always purchase from reputable sources to avoid contamination and ensure product purity. Learn more about the benefits of arrowroot from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, arrowroot powder is considered safe for most people when used in moderate, culinary quantities for cooking and baking.

When used in typical food amounts, side effects are rare. However, in large, medicinal quantities, it may cause digestive issues like constipation or stomach discomfort.

Yes, arrowroot is commonly used in baby weaning foods like porridge due to its easy digestibility and nutrient content, but it should be introduced in moderation.

Yes, arrowroot is naturally gluten-free and is an excellent substitute for wheat flour or other starches for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Arrowroot is generally considered safe and non-toxic for dogs and cats. It can be used as a gluten-free starch in pet treats, but always consult a vet for dietary changes.

In large, unmoderated medicinal doses, particularly as juice, arrowroot may lead to liver toxicity, as seen in rare historical cases. For normal food preparation, it is safe.

Arrowroot provides a clear, glossy finish and thickens at a lower temperature than cornstarch. Unlike cornstarch, it handles freezing and thawing well and is grain-free.