Rice flour (also rice powder) is a form of flour made from finely milled rice. It is distinct from rice starch, which is usually produced by steeping rice in lye. Rice flour is a common substitute for wheat flour. It is also used as a thickening agent in recipes that are refrigerated or frozen since it inhibits liquid separation. It can be used to thicken soups and stews, as well as providing an alternative to wheat flour in cakes and biscuits.

However, it’s gluten-free so can’t be used to make yeasted loaves of bread. Rice products include noodles, breakfast cereals, baby foods, extruded snacks, crackers, baked goods, rice milk, fermented beverages, and rice bran oil.