Flour & Meal
For baking enthusiasts, there are more options than ever when it comes to choosing the best flours for batters and doughs. And we’re not just talking about organic all-purpose flour and whole-wheat flour. These tried-and-true options are standbys for a reason, but there’s plenty of fun to be had in the alternative flour world, too. It used to be that followers of gluten-free, paleo, and keto diets had to wave goodbye to baked goods, but not anymore. From bean flours (like chickpea) to ancient grains (like teff) and nuts (like almond), flours and meals more than make the grade when it comes to turning out top-notch recipes that are rich in flavor, texture, and added nutrients.
8 Types of Alternative Flours
Here’s a primer on the many types of alternative flours, and a few ways to use them.
- Amaranth: Rich in fiber, amaranth was a staple food of South America. In baking, it can replace 25% of wheat flour when combined with other flours, and is great for tortillas, pie crusts, and bread.
- Almond: One of the most popular flours on the block, almond flour is versatile for all sorts of recipes like cakes, cookies, and breads.
- Buckwheat: Naturally gluten-free, buckwheat flour is slightly gray in color and nutty in flavor. It’s a perfect pairing for blueberries in muffins or waffles.
- Cassava: From the cassava root, this flour is often a 1:1 swap in recipes.
- Chickpea: Made from ground up beans, it’s a protein powerhouse you can use in everything from pancakes to frittatas. It’s even great for thickening soups.
- Coconut: Gluten-free and low-carb, coconut flour lends a light and nutty flavor to recipes. It’s great for high-heat cooking as well as for breading chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Tapioca: Tapioca flour is native to South America and the Caribbean, and works as a thickening agent in batters (try pancakes) or helps make crisp pie crusts or chewy cookies.
- Teff: Teff is a gluten-free ancient grain that hails from North Africa. When using it in recipes, sub it in for 25% of the white flour to enjoy added nutrition and rich flavor.
Top Flour and Meal Brands
Up your baking game with products from these top flour and meal brands.
Bob’s Red Mill
Since 1978, Bob’s Red Mill has been milling flour in small batches and offering both the classics (like All-Purpose Flour) and alternative options (like almond flour and Paleo baking mixes).
Otto’s Naturals
This brand is known for cassava flour, a grain-free flour alternative that can be used as a 1:1 substitute in many recipes.
Thrive Market
When you fill your pantry with flours from Thrive Market, the possibilities are endless. From brown rice flour to hazelnut meal, there’s something for everyone.
Healthy Grain Flours
Get ready to experiment with one of these healthy grain flours.
Bob’s Red Mill Oat Flour
Made from only oats, this flour has a subtly sweet flavor and boosts the nutrition of whatever you’re making, thanks to fiber and protein.
Arrowhead Mills Organic Millet Flour
This ancient grain is perfect for flatbreads, pizza, and more, especially when combined with wheat or all-purpose flour.
Jovial Einkorn All-Purpose Flour
Enjoy nature’s original grain sourced from small family farms in Italy. The slightly sweet flavor is a welcome addition to baked goods, and every scoop also delivers protein, fiber, and iron.
Best Flour Blends for Baking
Keep things simple with flour blends that make baking a breeze.
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Flour
A blend of garbanzo bean flour, sorghum flour, tapioca flour, fava bean flour, and potato starch, this gluten-free blend is perfect for anyone’s diet.
Thrive Market Paleo Flour
Stick to your Paleo diet with this bag that combines non-GMO almond and coconut flours with root starches.
Pamela’s Nut Flour Blend
Add some dimension (and added flavor) to your favorite recipes with this blend of ground almonds, coconut, pecans, and walnuts.
Natural Alternative Flours
Go the alternative route with this line up of popular flours.
Otto’s Naturals Cassava Flour
Another flour alternative, cassava flour is gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free, all with a similar taste and texture to wheat flour. It’s made from yuca, a root vegetable that’s dried and ground to the perfect texture.
Thrive Market Almond Flour
Here’s a Certified Gluten-Free flour made from non-GMO ground almonds. Try it in pancake batter, scones, or as a breading for chicken.
Thrive Market Organic Sprouted Garbanzo Bean Flour
Whether you use this flour on its own to make dynamite pakoras or use it to create your own gluten-free flour mix, you’ll love this new addition to your pantry.
Gluten-Free Baking Guides
If you or someone you love is eating gluten-free, these guides will make sure you eat well.
Top Gluten-Free Wellness Brands, Products, and Recipes
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What Is Celiac Disease?
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Cooking With Almond Flour
Almond flour is a versatile option for everything from breading chicken to baking cookies.