Gluten gives dough elasticity helping it rise and keeps it shape. After baked, it can help provide a chewy texture. Gluten is actually comprised of two proteins, gladden and glutenin. There are many reasons to use gluten free flours: some people just feel better without gluten, some have Celiac, an autoimmune disease, and must avoid it to stay healthy, and some just like the different tastes and textures.

What is Oat Flour?

Oat flour has a delicious nutty flavor and adds density and bulk to recipes. It is great in cookies and quick breads due to is chewy, crumbly texture. It is not made for baked goods that need the gluten to rise like yeast breads.

Please note that many people who cannot tolerate wheat also have issues with oats.Celiacs need to be especially careful with oat flour because some are not certified gluten free due to cross-contamination.

What is Almond Meal?

Almond meal is considered a nut flour. It is simply raw almonds ground up in a food processor until granular. If making your own, be sure not to overblend or you may end up with nut butter. Almond meal is nutty and hearty and good for some baked goods or even a substitute for bread crumbs.

Do not confuse almond meal with almond flour. Almond flour is made from blanched almonds with the skins removed.

What are Some Other Gluten Free Nut Flours?

Nut flours are very high in protein and offer enhanced taste and texture to baked good. Almonds are the most common nut, but here are some other tasty choices.

Hazelnut flour
Chestnut flour
Coconut flour

What is Brown Rice Flour?

Whole grain brown rice flour is light and grainy, although still heavier than white flour. It is very high in fiber and good for adding crispiness to cookies or as a thickener for soups and sauces.

What are Some Other Gluten Free Whole Grain Flours?

Whole grain flours contain the bran and germ. Here are some other gluten free

Corn flour
Buckwheat flour
Millet flour
Quinoa flour
Teff flour
Sorghum flour
Sweet potato flour
Mesquite flour
Oat flour

What is Chickpea Flour?

Chickpea flour, a bean flour, is savory, sometimes bitter, and smooth. It is very dense and best for savory foods instead of baked good. Tortillas, flatbreads and crepes can all be made with chickpea flour.

What are Some Other Gluten Free Bean Flours?

Bean flours are packed with nutrients and tends to make baked goods hold up better when mixed with other gluten free flours. They are particularly good in any type of fritter recipe.

Fava bean flour
Kinako (roasted soy bean) flour

What are Some Other Gluten Free White Flours or Starches?

These gluten free white flours are stripped of their bran and germ resulting in a white silky smooth flour perfect for thickening stews, sauces and soups.

Cornstarch
Potato flour
Potato starch
Tapioca flour
White rice flour
Sweet rice flour
Arrowroot flour

Gluten Free Flour Blends

The beauty of gluten free flour is that they can be combined to offer the best texture and nutrients. Try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or tapioca starch per every cup of flour to help bind your recipe together. A good all purpose gluten free flour recipe includes brown rice flour, potato start, white rice flour, tapioca flour and xanthin gum to replace the gluten. Gluten free baked goods tend to crumble easier than those with gluten so try making the portions smaller to reduce breakage.

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What Gluten Free Flours Are Good For Baking?