Wheat Flour Alternatives

While most of us grew up eating flour made from wheat, today there are literally dozens of alternatives we can use in cooking and baking. Despite the fact that this pantry staple has been around for centuries, more and more people are seeking out alternatives. If that’s you, whether you’re trying to avoid gluten, dealing with a dietary restriction, or just looking to mix things up, you have options. There are many wheat flour alternatives available in your grocery store that offer unique flavors and health benefits. Once you learn the pro tips for substituting these flours in your favorite recipes, you might find they taste great and are, well, the best thing since sliced bread!

You Have Options

Let’s take a look at just a few of the most popular wheat flour alternatives and get you started with an easy yet tasty recipe.

Almond Flour

Benefits: Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds and is rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. It’s naturally gluten-free and has a low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for those managing blood sugar levels.
Uses: Perfect for baked goods like cookies, cakes, and bread, almond flour adds a slightly nutty flavor. It’s also great as a coating for meats or vegetables when you want a crunchy texture.
Pro Tip: Almond flour can often replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio in recipes, but it may require additional binding agents like eggs.

Cassava Flour

Benefits: Made from the root of the cassava plant, this flour is gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free. It’s high in carbohydrates and a good choice for those with nut or grain allergies.
Uses: Cassava flour is excellent for making tortillas, flatbreads, and baked goods. It has a neutral flavor, which makes it versatile in both sweet and savory recipes.
Pro Tip: Cassava flour can often replace wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio but may need additional liquid for proper consistency.

Coconut Flour

Benefits: Coconut flour is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, making it a popular choice for keto and low-carb diets. It’s also gluten-free and has a subtle sweetness.
Uses: With its sweet flavor coconut flour is ideal for pancakes, muffins, and desserts. coconut flour absorbs a lot of liquid, so recipes need to account for its unique properties.
Pro Tip: Substitute coconut flour at a 1:4 ratio for wheat flour. It absorbs a lot of liquid, so you need to add more liquid or additional eggs to balance the texture.

Chickpea Flour

Benefits: Made from ground chickpeas, this flour is packed with protein, fiber, and iron. It’s naturally gluten-free and offers a slightly earthy flavor.
Uses: Great for savory dishes like falafel, fritters, and flatbreads, chickpea flour also works well in gluten-free baking.
Pro Tip: Chickpea flour can be used at a 1:1 ratio for wheat flour in many recipes but it does result in a denser texture, so substitute it in appropriate recipes.

Embrace the Variety

Experimenting with alternative flours like almond, cassava, coconut, or chickpea can open up a world of culinary possibilities while offering health benefits tailored to your dietary needs. Experiment and perfect your favorite recipes, or find some new recipes based on these unique flours.

Ready to get cooking? Start with our recipe for cassava flour tortillas.