Substitutes for Coconut Flour

Coconut flour, a good alternative to wheat flour, is one of the numerous applications for the versatile coconut. Coconut flour is created by pulverizing dried coconut flesh. Coconut flour was developed in the Philippines before spreading around the globe.

Individuals who are gluten intolerant or follow a low-carb diet like using coconut flour in gluten-free baking. According to several research, it also promotes digestion, blood sugar control, cardiovascular health, and weight reduction.

Yet, coconut flour is still a specialty item that may be difficult to get at your local grocery shop.

If you run out of coconut flour, here are a few alternatives you might try.

1. Almond Flour

Almond flour, like coconut flour, is a popular gluten-free baking replacement. It is more prevalent than the coconut variant and is more likely to be found at your local supermarket.

Almond flour and coconut flour have several qualities. Both are gluten-free, nutrient-dense, and taste identical. It may be used in gluten-free baking or as a binding agent in meatballs and other similar recipes.

While almond flour absorbs a lot of moisture, it does not absorb as much as coconut flour, so alter your recipe to use more flour and less liquid. It also includes more calories, making it unsuitable for people on a low-carb diet.

2. Cassava Flour

Cassava flour, like coconut flour, is a unique flour that originates from tropical places. Cassava flour is made from the starch found in the South American cassava or yucca plant.

Cassava flour is also gluten-free, making it an excellent baking replacement. It has a more neutral taste profile than coconut flour, which may be advantageous in certain savory recipes but may lead other foods to lose their characteristic flavors. Cassava flour contains more calories than coconut flour as well.

3. Hazelnut Flour

Hazelnut flour completes the triad of excellent nut flours used in gluten-free baking. Hazelnut flour is prepared from ground hazelnuts and is said to have originated in Italy. It has now become a mainstay of paleo and gluten-free diets.

Hazelnut flour is gluten-free and has a somewhat sweet flavor similar to coconut flour, making it a great baking substitute. Its nuttiness, on the other hand, is significantly greater than that of coconut flour, which is why many chefs blend it with another gluten-free flour when producing a substitute. It is also less absorbent than coconut flour, so your ratios will need to be adjusted.

4. Soy Flour

Soy flour, like coconut flour, is another East Asian flour. This one contains milled soybeans. You may purchase it at specialist stores or manufacture it yourself.

Soy flour and coconut flour have comparable nutritional profiles. Unlike many alternative flours, it is also low-carb and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those on a diet. Its taste, on the other hand, is significantly more savory and bean-like than coconut flour. If you’re using it as a replacement in a sweet dish, increase the amount of sweeteners you use.

5. Rice Flour

Rice flour, which is prepared from pulverized rice, is a common ingredient in many South Asian recipes. It is gluten-free and has a neutral flavor, making it a great option for both sweet and savory dishes.

When substituting white rice flour for coconut flour, use white rice flour over brown rice flour since the textures and tastes are more comparable. Keep in mind, however, that rice flour is less absorbent than coconut flour. You’ll need to use three times as much flour and maybe reduce the liquid amount of your recipe.