Cassava starch, also known as TAPIOCA, is a carbohydrate extracted from the root of the cassava plant. It is widely used in many parts of the world as a thickening agent in food preparation and is also used to make a variety of dishes such as TAPIOCA pudding. It is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and is often used in gluten-free baking. Cassava starch is also used in the production of bioethanol, a renewable energy source.