Delicious Flour Alternatives

When it comes to flour, there is no more a one-flour-fits-all policy. Products made from nuts, sucker plant, and tuber has sprouted on supermarket shelves, and they're worth a second look.  Not only do the these types of flour give you a chance to experiment with flavours and textures when baking and cooking, but they are also another way to increase the nutritional variety in our diet.


Flours produced from certain sucker plant, tuber, nuts and even seeds, such as flaxseed, almond, and hazelnut are lower in carbohydrate content than grain flours, and many are higher in fibre too.

 So, whether you are in search of a flour substitute because you are gluten intolerant, or because you are following a low carb diet, here are 3 alternatives to wheat flour;




1. Coconut Flour

photo credit: thepaloelist.com

 Coconut flour is basically flour produced from the ground meat of the coconut. It is actually the by-product of coconut cream production, dried and finely ground. It is lower in fat than the other nut flours, and also extremely low in carbohydrate (2/3 of the carbs are fibre) and high in fibre than most.

 The flour is a little lighter in texture than other seed or nut flours, too, which means it is perfect for muffins, cakes or breads. Another plus for this flour is that it can help you achieve your healthy weight goal as it ideal for low-carb diet and because of its higher fibre, it promote the feeling of fullness.



2. Unripe Banana Flour

Unripe bananas are one of a small few foods that contain resistance starch. Resistance starch (RS2) is not like normal starches, they are not digested in the small intestine, but are passed on to the large intestine thus, providing lots of health benefits as mentioned below. Unripe bananas are naturally high in magnesium, potassium, dietary Fibre and Vitamin E.

 Potassium helps maintain blood pressure and control the electrical activity of the heart, and magnesium which helps nerve and muscle activity. Again, the resistance the flour contains makes you feel fuller and helps burn fat faster.





3. Sweet Potato Flour

Sweet potato flour as its name is produced from sweet potatoes. It is dried and then ground, stiff in texture and has a slightly sweet flavour. Though it is high in fibre and contains a higher carbohydrates and lower protein than regular wheat flour, it high in fibre which aids the body maintain and regulate a healthy digestive system, vitamin A, iron, and calcium as well as has immunity and anti-inflammatory properties. In spite of the name “sweet,” studies have revealed that it really helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Sweet potato flour is incredibly versatile! It can be used for baking, such as muffins, cookies, breads, pancakes, and doughnuts, and as a thickener for gravies and sauces. The flour holds moisture well, offers a richness of flavour, and adds a bit of sweetness to any baked good.



N.B. It’s important to say here that even though you are making cakes and cookies with more nutritious flours, these foods should still be considered treat foods. So, if a treat really is just a treat, this means you only eat them occasionally and in moderation.