With so many flour options out there (more than 60!), it can be tough to figure out which flour is the best for your culinary creations. Two types of flour that have been getting some buzz lately are oat flour and fufu flour. While they may sound fancy, these flours are actually quite approachable and have some unique benefits. But which one is better?
I’ve gone ahead and broken down the differences between these two flours so you don’t have to. Get ready to dive into this flour-off!
Comparing oat flour vs fufu flour
| Oat flour | Fufu 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 | None | Wheat, gluten |
| Liquid absorbency | High | High | Medium |
| Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 2 months | Up to 2 years | 6-8 months |
| Best for | Pancakes, muffins, cookies, fruit crumbles and crisps | African dishes (fufu), pancakes, frying batters, thickening agent in soups, sauces, stews, etc. | Non-yeast recipes, cookies, biscuits, and some breads |
*It’s best to use recipes specific to fufu flour, but you can switch out 25% of your gluten-free flour mix/all-purpose for fufu flour.
Differences between oat flour and fufu flour
The main difference between oat flour and fufu flour is where they come from and what they’re made of. Oat flour is just ground-up oats, while fufu flour is made from cassava root, a popular ingredient in African cuisine.
Oat flour has a subtle, nutty flavor and is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy alternative to regular flour for your baking needs.
Fufu flour, on the other hand, is a starchy powder that’s used to make a dough-like substance that’s often eaten with soups and stews. It’s a carb-heavy option that doesn’t have much fiber, but it’s a great way to add some variety to your meals.
Baking with oat flour vs fufu flour
Oat flour is great for making things like pancakes, muffins, and bread because it has a similar texture and consistency to regular wheat flour, but it’s packed with whole-grain fiber that can add a nutty flavor and a chewy texture to baked goods.
On the other hand, fufu flour isn’t really used for baking at all. It’s more of a staple food that’s used to make a dough-like substance that’s eaten with soups and stews. It’s not really a flour that you can substitute for regular flour in baking recipes. However, you can switch out about 25% of all-purpose flour for fufu flour for things like pancakes. In my experience, there are better alternatives out there (see coconut flour vs fufu flour).
Ingredients in oat flour vs fufu flour
Oat flour and fufu flour have completely different ingredients. Oat flour is made by grinding up oats, which are a type of grain. So, it’s basically just a more finely ground version of oats, but not the same as ground oats.
Fufu flour, on the other hand, is made from cassava, plantain, or yams, which are starchy fruits and vegetables.
Oat flour and fufu flour nutritional facts
| Per 1/4 cup serving | Oat flour | Fufu flour | All-purpose flour |
| Calories | 120 | 106 | 120 |
| Carbs (g) | 22 | 25 | 24 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 | 1.5 | 1 |
| Fat (g) | 2 | 0 | 0.5 |
| Protein (g) | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
| Glycemic index score | 44 | 84 | 85 |
Nutrition-wise, oat flour and fufu flour are quite different. Oat flour is packed with fiber and protein, making it a great option for anyone looking for a healthy flour alternative. It’s also low in fat and contains important vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.
Fufu flour, like potato and cassava flour, is high in carbohydrates, which can be a good source of energy, but it doesn’t have as much fiber or protein as oat flour. Fufu flour is also low in fat and is a good source of certain vitamins and minerals, but it doesn’t have the same nutritional benefits as oat flour.
Oat flour vs fufu flour storage
Oat flour is best stored in an airtight container, like a mason jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This will help keep out moisture and prevent the flour from getting stale. Oat flour can also be stored in the fridge or freezer for even longer shelf life, especially if you’re not planning on using it right away.
Fufu flour should also be stored in an airtight container, but it doesn’t need to be refrigerated or frozen. It lasts much longer than oat flour, but because fufu flour is made from cassava root, which is a starchy vegetable, it’s important to use it within a reasonable amount of time after opening the package to prevent spoilage.
Oat flour vs fufu flour: Which is better?
Oat flour is more similar to all-purpose flour compared to fufu flour, so it’s easy to work with for most gluten-free recipes! Fufu flour is a starchy plant-based flour that is mostly used to make fufu, a dough-like food eaten in many African countries.
So, if you’re looking to make some fiber-packed baked goods, oat flour is the way to go. But, if you’re interested in exploring African cuisine, fufu flour is definitely worth trying out!
FAQ
Yes, you can use oat flour as a substitute for cassava flour in many recipes. However, the texture and taste may be slightly different as the two flours have different properties.
There’s no clear answer, as they both have different nutritional profiles and work better for different types of recipes. Oat flour is high in fiber and protein, while cassava flour is mostly carbohydrates and works well for gluten-free tortillas or as a thickener for sauces and soups.
The flour that is closest to oat flour is probably whole wheat flour, as they both have a similar nutty flavor and denser texture. However, for those who need a gluten-free option, almond flour or coconut flour can be good substitutes that also add a unique flavor to baked goods.
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