Gluten-free all-purpose flour is a blessing for those who want to move to a gluten-free diet but struggle with the often challenging baking properties of stand-alone gluten-free flours. A gluten-free all-purpose blend can be swapped 1:1 with your regular all-purpose, no muss, no fuss!
However, sometimes you may need a substitute, or maybe you are ready to change the game and look at other flours to bake with aside from your trusty gluten-free all-purpose. In any case, here are 7 of the best!
- White rice flour + tapioca flour + potato starch (2:1:1)
- White rice flour
- All-purpose flour
- Coconut flour
- Almond flour
- Peanut flour
- Cassava flour
Best All-Around Gluten-Free Flour Blend Substitute: White Rice Flour + Tapioca Flour + Potato Starch (2:1:1)
A wide range of gluten-free flour mixes are available, each tailored for different culinary purposes, from baking to general cooking. These mixes are crafted by blending various gluten-free flours and starches in specific ratios to emulate the characteristics of regular wheat flour. Common ingredients in these blends include rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, cornstarch, and sorghum flour.
Creating your own blend of gluten-free flour at home is relatively straightforward:
- Start with a large bowl, then combine white rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch in a 2:1:1 ratio.
- Thoroughly mix these ingredients until they’re uniformly blended.
- Finally, sieve the mixture to achieve a smooth texture.
Best Budget-Friendly Gluten-Free Flour Blend Substitute: White Rice Flour
If you cannot find a gluten-free flour blend, or it is a little too expensive, then you can use a singular gluten-free flour instead. One of the cheapest options is white rice flour, which can go as low as 14 cents per ounce.
White rice flour alone will not have the baking properties of a gluten-free flour blend and may provide a slightly different texture to your baked goods.
Best Easy-to-Bake-With Gluten-Free Flour Blend Substitute: All-Purpose Flour
If you are looking for a flour that is easy to bake with (in fact, the easiest to bake with) and you can digest gluten, then try all-purpose flour. No, it is not gluten-free, but it is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes.
Because of the gluten structure of all-purpose flour, it creates a stretchy, chewy dough that holds together and rises well. If you are looking for a gluten-free substitute that is easy to bake with, then gluten-free all-purpose will be the only one that comes close. Most other gluten-free alternatives require recipe adjustments.
Flour Closest in Flavor to a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: White Rice Flour + Tapioca Flour + Potato Starch (2:1:1)
As I mentioned earlier, a blend of white rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch (2:1:1) is the best easy DIY substitute for gluten-free flour blends. This blend will also be closest in flavor to a pre-made gluten-free all-purpose, though it does vary depending on what brand you purchase and what flours they use for their blend.
Best Neutral-Flavor Substitute for a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: All Purpose Flour or White Rice Flour
Non-gluten-free all-purpose or white rice flour are probably the two most neutral flavored substitutes for gluten-free all-purpose. Both could be described as quite bland, and I find once they are incorporated into recipes, the other ingredients can take over completely and really shine!
Best Healthy Substitute for a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Coconut Flour
Coconut flour, derived from the flesh of mature coconuts, has a unique composition, making it a gluten-free option that caters to those who want a healthier flour alternative.
What distinguishes coconut flour from other flours is its significantly higher fiber content. Remarkably, it boasts up to four times the amount of fiber found in all-purpose flour. This high fiber content aids digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness, which can support weight management efforts.
Coconut flour also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. A standout among these is manganese, a mineral that plays a pivotal role in metabolism and bone health, among other functions.
Coconut flour is also low GI. Foods with a lower glycemic index are digested more slowly, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This characteristic makes coconut flour a safe and healthier choice for individuals managing diabetes.
Best High-Fiber Substitute for a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Coconut Flour
Unlike most flours, coconut flour has an incredibly high level of fiber, especially the variety that makes you feel full. This fiber content makes it a great alternative to other flours for those watching their weight. Coconut flour is also lower in carbohydrates compared to many other gluten-free flours, such as white rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose.
In fact, ¼ cup of coconut flour contains a whopping 10 grams of fiber, whereas the average for a gluten-free all-purpose blend is about 4 grams.
Best Gluten-Free Alternative to a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: White Rice Flour + Tapioca Flour + Potato Starch (2:1:1)
The best gluten-free alternative to a gluten-free all-purpose is to make your own blend. There are various recipes, but the easiest one to start with is a blend of white rice flour, tapioca flour and potato starch.
Tapioca flour is a great one to add to gluten-free blends, and it has very good binding properties to help with the texture of your gluten-free baked goods. Potato starch helps to thicken and prevent caking.
Once you have mastered this recipe, you could try mixing other flours or adding xanthan gum to your blends. Xanthan gum helps to bind the ingredients together and adds elasticity to your gluten-free recipes.
Best High Protein Substitute for a Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Peanut Flour
The best way to increase the protein content of your gluten-free flour blend is to fortify it with high-protein flour, such as peanut flour. This unique ingredient is made from blanched peanuts, which have been defatted.
Peanut flour is a popular ingredient for those following a low-carb, high-protein diet, and it can be used in various recipes, from baked goods to smoothies. It is a great source of protein, with around 15 grams per ¼ cup!
Best Gluten-Free Flour Blend Keto Substitute: Coconut Flour or Almond Flour
Coconut flour is lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats than regular flour, making it a particularly good choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet; plus adds a slight sweetness without the sugar!
Almond flour could also be used if you aren’t into coconut flour. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free and contains more protein than other flours. It also adds a nutty flavor to dishes, which can be great for baking recipes.
Best Gluten-Free Flour Blend Paleo/Whole30 Substitute: Cassava Flour
This gluten-free alternative is made from the dried root of the cassava plant, which is grain-free and paleo-friendly. It works best in tortillas, porridge, pancakes, pasta, and pizza. It’s not the same as tapioca starch or tapioca flour, which is also made from cassava root but is processed differently and used for different things.
Cassava flour used as a stand-alone flour may benefit from the addition of xanthan gum or psyllium husk to help bind it, though whether or not either is allowed on the paleo diet is debated!
FAQs
Gluten-free all-purpose is designed to work the same way as regular flour, though it will not mimic it exactly. So yes, you can use it the same as regular flour, but just be prepared that your end product won’t rise quite as well and will have a different texture and flavor.
In most cases, yes. Gluten-free all-purpose flour does not contain leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, so you will likely want to add it if the recipe calls for it, just like you would with all-purpose flour.
Yes, gluten-free flour will expire just like regular flour. Make sure to check the expiration date before use.
Yes, the main thing to remember is that gluten-free flour behaves differently than regular flour. Xanthan gum or guar gum could be added to help mimic gluten or extra baking powder to increase the rise.
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