5 Best Spelt Flour Substitutes

Spelt flour, with its nutty flavor and unique texture, has gained popularity in recent years. However, there are times when you might need a spelt flour substitute due to dietary restrictions, availability, expired flour, or personal preferences.

Fear not! I’ve compiled a list of the five best spelt flour substitutes:

• Einkorn flour
• Whole wheat flour
• All purpose flour
• Amaranth flour
• Almond flour

Now, let’s dive into when to use each!

Best all-around substitute for spelt flour: Einkorn flour

Einkorn flour is a true gem among ancient grains. It’s considered one of the earliest cultivated forms of wheat, dating back thousands of years. When it comes to substituting spelt flour, einkorn flour is your best all-around option. This flour boasts a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavor profile, making it an excellent replacement in recipes that call for spelt flour.

One of the key advantages of einkorn flour is its digestibility (similar to spelt flour). Some individuals who struggle with wheat sensitivities find einkorn easier to digest, thanks to its simpler genetic makeup.

To use einkorn flour as a spelt flour substitute, you can typically do a 1:1 swap in most recipes. Keep in mind that einkorn flour may absorb more or less liquid than spelt flour, so adjust the hydration in your recipe as needed.

Best budget-friendly spelt flour substitute: Whole wheat flour

Einkorn flour is known for being a little on the pricey side. You may be thinking, “Is it worth it?“. Well, turns out, you can still get some of the same benefits using whole wheat flour.

Whole wheat flour is a kitchen staple made of hard red wheat. Whole wheat flour is readily available in most grocery stores and is often more budget-friendly than specialty flours like spelt or einkorn.

Best easy-to-bake-with spelt flour substitute: Whole wheat flour

While whole wheat flour doesn’t exactly mimic the flavor of spelt, it provides a hearty, earthy taste that pairs well with a variety of recipes. It’s an excellent choice for making bread, muffins, and pancakes.

However, whole wheat flour can make baked goods denser due to its higher bran content. This denseness can work in your favor, especially when baking bread or muffins with a hearty, rustic feel.

In recipes that require a lighter, more delicate texture, you may want to use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to achieve a balance.

Closest flavor spelt flour substitute: Einkorn flour

If you’re a fan of spelt flour’s unique nutty flavor and want a substitute that closely matches it, einkorn flour is your best bet. As mentioned earlier, einkorn flour shares a similar flavor profile with spelt, making it an excellent choice when you’re trying to preserve that distinctive taste in your recipes.

Einkorn flour’s ancient origins and simple genetic makeup give it a flavor that’s reminiscent of spelt. It’s ideal for creating dishes where the nutty undertones of spelt are crucial, such as certain types of bread, muffins, or biscuits.

Best neutral flavor spelt flour substitute: All purpose flour

The best neutral flavor substitute for spelt flour is all-purpose flour because it has a mild and neutral taste that won’t significantly alter the flavor of your baked goods.

All-purpose flour provides a versatile base for a wide range of recipes, from cakes and cookies to bread and pastries, allowing the natural flavors of other ingredients to shine.

Best healthy substitute for spelt flour: Einkorn flour

If health and nutrition are high on your list of priorities, einkorn flour is definitely worth looking into. It’s a rich source of B vitamins, essential minerals, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome choice that’s right up there with spelt.

Einkorn flour’s unique genetic makeup also makes it easier to digest for some individuals with wheat sensitivities. This can be a significant advantage if you’re looking for a flour that won’t cause digestive discomfort.

Best high fiber, high protein spelt flour substitute: Whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour has roughly the same amount of fiber and protein as spelt. A 1/4 cup of spelt flour provides around 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein, whereas A 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour has 3 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein.

Fiber promotes digestive health, while the higher protein content can help create a satisfying, filling texture in your baked goods.

Best gluten-free spelt flour substitute: Amaranth flour

Spelt contains high amounts of gluten, which can be a problem for some people. If you’re on a gluten-free diet or have celiac disease and can’t use spelt flour, amaranth flour is your best alternative.

Amaranth is a gluten-free, nutrient-dense grain that can be ground into a fine flour suitable for baking. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a mild sweetness that works well for gluten-free bread, muffins, and pancakes.

Best lower calorie spelt flour alternative: Einkorn flour

Einkorn flour is an ideal lower-calorie alternative to spelt flour due to its naturally lower calorie content while still offering a similar taste and baking performance. Einkorn grains are inherently smaller and less starchy than spelt, resulting in a flour with fewer calories per cup.

Einkorn flour maintains a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and provides a light, airy texture to baked goods, making it a satisfying option for those looking to lower their calorie consumption while enjoying the nutritional advantages of ancient grains.

Best keto/paleo/whole30 sorghum flour substitute: Almond flour

Almond flour is made from blanched almonds, ground into a fine, gluten-free flour that’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats. It’s an excellent option for those seeking grain-free alternatives. It’s perfect for baking keto-friendly bread, paleo cookies, or Whole30-friendly muffins.

When substituting almond flour for spelt flour, be aware that it doesn’t have the same gluten content, so it may require additional binding agents like eggs or xanthan gum in recipes that rely on gluten for structure. Follow recipe-specific instructions for the best results.

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