Almond Flour or Meal: How to Use It and Where to Get It

The Versatility of Almond Flour

Almond flour is growing in popularity as more people discover its versatility in gluten-free and grain-free cooking. Made from finely ground sweet almonds, almond flour can be used to make everything from cakes and cookies to breads and pizza crust.

Benefits of Using Almond Flour

Compared to regular flour, almond flour offers some health advantages. It is higher in protein and fiber while being lower in carbohydrates. Almond flour is also packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. For those avoiding gluten or grains, almond flour is an excellent substitute in many recipes.

How to Use Almond Flour

When baking with almond flour, less is often more. Use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of almond flour for every 1 cup of regular flour called for in a recipe. Almond flour absorbs more moisture than regular flour, so you may need to reduce other wet ingredients slightly.

Here are some tips for success when using almond flour:

Sift the almond flour before using to prevent clumping
Reduce liquid ingredients like milk or eggs slightly
Add binders like xanthan gum to help hold baked goods together
Opt for lighter batters rather than thick, dense doughs
Adjust baking times and temperatures to account for differences

Where to Buy Almond Flour

You can find almond flour in most well-stocked grocery stores, usually in the baking aisle along with other specialty flours. Health food stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts will also carry various brands of almond flour. Be sure to check the expiration date and store almond flour in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.

For wider variety, you can shop for almond flour online. Amazon offers many kinds of almond flour from brands like Bob’s Red Mill, Honeyville, and Wellbee’s. Stores specializing in gluten-free items like Nuts.com or Vitacost also sell almond flour and blanched almond meal at reasonable prices.

How Almond Flour Differs from Almond Meal

While often used interchangeably, almond flour and almond meal are slightly different. Almond meal contains almond skins, which provide fiber and antioxidants, while almond flour uses blanched almonds without the skins. Almond flour also tends to be finer ground than almond meal with a more flour-like texture best for baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best almond flour brand?

Some top almond flour brands include Bob’s Red Mill, Honeyville, Wellbee’s, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, and Nature’s Eats. Choosing organic almond flour can provide assurance that the almonds are not treated with chemicals during processing.

Is almond flour healthier than regular flour?

Yes, almond flour provides more nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein than regular wheat flour. It also has fewer carbohydrates and no gluten, making it a better choice for some health conditions and dietary needs.

Can you substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour?

In most recipes you can substitute about 1/4 to 1/3 cup almond flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Adjustments to wet ingredients and baking times may be needed. Using almond flour along with binders can help mimic the properties of regular flour.

What can I make with almond flour?

You can make a wide variety of baked goods with almond flour including cakes, cookies, muffins, breads, pancakes, crackers, pizza crusts, pie crusts and more. It also works well for breading foods like chicken tenders or fish fillets.

Does almond flour need to be refrigerated?

It is best to store almond flour in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maximize freshness and prevent it from going rancid. Properly stored almond flour can keep for several months in the fridge or 6-12 months in the freezer.