When you cut out grains, you need to get a bit inventive to keep enjoying the foods you love. A lot of grain-free treats are typically made with the same flours, but there are some surprising alternatives to almond and coconut flour that you might not be familiar with yet!
While it’s best to stick to a diet filled with fresh veggies, meats, and eggs, sometimes it’s nice to indulge in a baked good or a grain-free bread. Indulging occasionally is perfectly fine, as long as you do it wisely.
Thankfully, many favorites like chocolate chip cookies and pancakes can easily be remade using grain-free flours such as almond and coconut. But what if you’re tired of those, or you have an allergy or intolerance preventing you from using them?
Coconut and almond flours can cause issues for some people due to health concerns or because they don’t quite fit the taste or texture you’re after in some recipes. Let’s talk about the challenges with these popular grain-free flours and then explore some awesome alternatives.
Almond flour is a go-to for grain-free baking because it has a good texture that can mimic all-purpose flour and a neutral flavor that works in desserts and savory dishes. However, if you’re allergic to nuts, almond flour is off the table. There are also other reasons to use it sparingly.
Coconut flour, which is great for cakes and pancakes, also has its downsides. If you’re wondering what else is out there, here are some top alternatives to almond and coconut flour, along with a few recipe ideas to get you started.
Sunflower seed flour is a nut-free option with a rich flavor and a hint of natural sweetness. You just need some sunflower seeds and a food processor; blend, sift, and you’re good to go! It can replace flour in most recipes with ease. You can find more about its nutritional benefits and baking tips online.
Cassava flour is gaining popularity in the paleo community, being grain-free and nut-free, behaving similarly to all-purpose flour. Made from the cassava root, this flour is simply peeled, dried, and ground. Although it’s starchy and not low-carb, it’s a great alternative for nut-free recipes. Just keep in mind, cassava flour is different from tapioca flour, which is more processed. Use it in moderation as an occasional treat.
Why not try making some cassava flour sugar cookies, tortillas, molten chocolate cake, or pizza dough? Kids and adults alike will enjoy options like chocolate chip cookies and buttermilk biscuits, too.
Have you ever picked up plantains thinking they were bananas? They might not taste great raw, but plantains are excellent in baking as an alternative to your usual flours. Plantain flour provides carbs and resistant starch, being AIP-friendly. It’s dense and fibrous, similar to coconut flour, so you might need to add more moisture to your recipes.
You can make delicious plantain flour pancakes, tortillas, sandwich rounds, chocolate cake, or even blueberry muffins. These alternatives offer a tasty twist to your usual breakfast or snack.
Believe it or not, cricket flour is a new, exciting alternative. It’s packed with protein, rich in B12, and contains essential amino acids. However, if you have shellfish allergies, this might not be for you. Experiment with cricket flour in pancakes, protein smoothies, or no-bake protein bites for a nutritious treat.
The key isn’t just about choosing the healthiest flour but ensuring you try a mix of quality foods and plan your meals well. Hopefully, you’re inspired to explore beyond almond and coconut flour. Give these substitutes a try and have fun in the kitchen. Your family might just love your new creations! Have you tried any of these alternatives yet? Which one do you like best?
