Tapioca starch and fiber are made from the root of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta) Tapioca fiber, also known as tapioca flour, and tapioca starch are the perfect gluten-free thickeners for use in food preparation, such as pie fillings, soups and sauces. They are commonly used in gluten-free baking to improve the texture of breads and baked goods.