Oat Flour vs Chestnut Flour: Which Is Better?

Are you an oats person or a chestnut person? Oat flour and chestnut flour are two alternative flours that are perfect for those with gluten-free and grain-free diets, or for anyone who wants to add some pizzazz to their culinary creations.

But the question remains: which one is better? I’ll put these two flours head-to-head in a battle of taste, texture, and nutrition. Let’s go!

Image source: Shutterstock

Comparing oat flour vs chestnut flour

	Oat flour	Chestnut flour	All-purpose flour
Substitution ratio	1.3:1	1:1*	N/A
Gluten-free?	Yes	Yes	No
Keto-friendly?	No	No	No
Paleo-friendly?	No	Yes	No
Common Allergens	None	Tree nuts	Wheat, gluten
Liquid absorbency	High	Medium-high (varies depending on processing)	Medium
Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed)	2 months	2 months	6-8 months
Best for baking	Pancakes, muffins, cookies, fruit crumbles and crisps	Traditional Italian baking, sweet breads, cakes, pancakes, and brownies	Non-yeast recipes, cookies, biscuits, and some breads

*A good starting point is to replace 50% of your all-purpose flour with chestnut flour before committing to using 100% chestnut flour in your recipe. You can add or take away chestnut flour after getting a feel for its strong flavor.

Differences between oat flour and chestnut flour

So, what’s the difference between the two?

Oat flour is a fine powder made from ground oats, while chestnut flour (not to be confused with water chestnut flour) is a flour made from ground chestnuts. Both are gluten-free, but oat flour is also nut-free and only chestnut flour is paleo-friendly.

Oat flour is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to pancakes and bread. Chestnut flour, on the other hand, is often used in savory dishes like soups and stews, as well as in Italian desserts like castagnaccio cake and necci (chestnut flour pancakes/crepes).

Baking with oat flour vs chestnut flour

Oat flour is smoother and less gritty than chestnut flour (more similar to all-purpose flour) so it’s better suited for baked goods that need a lighter and fluffier texture, such as cakes and muffins, whereas chestnut flour is best suited for denser baked goods, such as bread, cookies, or pancakes.

Oat flour tends to absorb more moisture than wheat flour, so it’s important to add a little extra liquid to your recipe to achieve the right consistency, while chestnut flour doesn’t require as much extra liquid.

In terms of flavor, oat flour has a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that works well in many baked goods, while chestnut flour has a very nutty and earthy taste that can add a unique flavor to sweet desserts. It’s especially tasty with chocolate and nuts (think brownies and biscotti)!

Ingredients in oat flour vs chestnut flour

Oat flour is made from ground oats and typically contains only one ingredient: whole-grain oats (organic, preferably).

Chestnut flour, on the other hand, is made from dried and ground chestnuts and may contain additional ingredients like rice flour or tapioca starch to improve its texture and consistency.

Oat flour and chestnut flour nutritional facts

Per 1/4 cup serving	Oat flour	Chestnut flour	All-purpose flour
Calories	120	100	120
Carbs (g)	22	22	24
Fiber (g)	3	3	1
Fat (g)	2	1	0.5
Protein (g)	4	2	4
Glycemic index score	44	30	85

Oat flour is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and zinc.

On the other hand, chestnut flour is rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases. It also has a lower glycemic index, which means it may help regulate blood sugar levels. 

Oat flour vs chestnut flour storage

Both have a shelf life of around 2 months, which is not very long. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, and in airtight containers to prevent moisture and air exposure. You can also store them in the fridge or freezer to extend their shelf life even further.

Of course, if you want a flour that lasts a REALLY long time, you should consider using coconut flour.

Oat flour vs chestnut flour: Which is better?

So there you have it! Whether you’re team oat or team chestnut, both of these flours have their own unique benefits and uses. It really depends on what you’re making and what flavor and texture you’re looking for.

Oat flour is the better flour for replacing all-purpose flour in most recipes because it has a similar texture that works well for light and fluffy baked goods. However, chestnut flour is better for darker, denser, and more rustic sweet treats like brownies, coffee cakes, and of course, castagnaccio! You have your pick!

There are also 60+ more flours to choose from!

FAQ