Baking season is back again! Whether you are looking to make healthier changes or have gluten-free friends, here is a bit of information about white flour substitutes to help you bake for all your friends and family this season.
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is a healthier choice than white and can be used as a substitute in baking and cooking.
Almond Flour
This is a great option for people following a gluten-free diet. Its density and ability to rise can make it a perfect substitute for most baked goods. It also has a fraction of carbohydrates as compared to white flour.
Ideal for pancakes, muffins or cookies; this substitute could be what you have always been looking for in regards to a healthy alternative to white flour.
The natural almond flavor helps to add sweetness to your recipe. This is something unique to almond flour and a great tool to keep in your pantry. Furthermore, if used in large quantity the flour can act like a cake batter and create a light cake like consistency for you to work with.
Barley Flour This type of flour is an exceptional tool for use in baking breads and for doughs. It compliments other flours well and works in a way that it helps to create a more whole-wheat feel to any recipe. Also, it is ideal for thickening gravies and sweetening sauces.
A little added trick is to lightly toast the flour before use to accentuate the hidden flavors that barley flour secretly has. Also, if used in the right way, it can add a little sweetness to your recipe as well.
Buckwheat Flour
Despite the name, buckwheat flour is gluten free and wheat free. This makes it a good option for whole wheat substitutes. The thing that you need to watch out for in this product is its dense qualities and strong flavor.
This means it is great for use in products, such as, pancakes or pastas but you cannot use it as a thickener for a sauce because it will be too rich. Its earthy flavor can be good at times, but, can also overpower any good recipe, so try combining buckwheat with white flour in recipes.
Chickpea (Garbanzo) Flour
When it comes to gluten free substitutes, this is a common go to for vegans and those with Celiac disease.
This flour is high in protein and calcium which allows you to balance out your diet. Its uses are abundant, including, for crepes, flatbread or hummus.
Oat Flour
This is probably your classic and most dependable option when it comes to healthy flour substitutes. Oat flour is all natural and helps to create a whole what product.
Depending on which company processes it, this product can be gluten-free or low-gluten. It is optimal for use in cookie and other baked goods recipes.
In summary, these are all great options for you to use as a substitute to white flour but it is important to remember that gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean healthy.
Unless you have Celiac disease, your body can naturally handle a bit of gluten on a regular basis, but, you should focus on the whole wheat and nutritional aspects of your diet if you are going to begin substituting for white flour. Remember, the key to being healthy is balance.