Thanks to a greater awareness of intolerances and allergies, there has never been a greater selection of gluten-free foods.
The options have come on leaps and bounds, tapping into the ever-growing demand from those suffering from coeliac disease, IBS and gluten sensitivities. And it’s about time too considering the former is said to affect around 1 in 100 people in the UK according to the charity Coeliac.
This extends to breads, biscuits and pastas all of which have been given a wheat-free twist and are readily available to shop online or in supermarkets. One such area not immune to a free-from makeover is flour, opening up a world of creative possibilities for those whipping up culinary delights and baked goods.
It may not seem obvious to those who don’t suffer from gluten or wheat allergies, but gluten-free flour is a necessity in order to enjoy fan-favourite dishes without suffering the consequences like roasts, freshly baked bread and most importantly of all, birthday cake.
Like regular flour, gluten-free flour includes agents which build structure in a food. Hence the ingredient is added to thicken gravy or used to coat meats for schnitzels, nuggets and escalopes. And in fact, the difference between normal and gluten-free flour is actually minimal. This goes for both texture and flavour.
Oat flour, buckwheat flour and corn flour are just a handful of options to try to enhance your culinary skills. Thankfully, each sack specifies if the ingredient can be used for creating sweet or savoury feasts, making your cooking experience a whole lot easier.
Read on to discover a wide range of gluten-free flours to add to your free-from parlour.
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Freee Gluten Free Plain White Flour 1kg
Our go-to pick, Freee’s gluten-free flour is the most readily available, affordable option in supermarkets. Also up for grabs in a self-raising version, the flour features a blend of rice, potato, tapioca, maize and buckwheat for savoury and sweet treats.
Buy now £1.95, Sainsbury's
Doves Farm Organic Oat Flour 450g
We’d t-oat-ally recommend Doves Farm’s organic oat flour. While it's not the cheapest option, wholegrain flour is high in fibre and suitable for those following vegan and kosher diets. The flour has been milled from high-quality organic British oats and is ideal for making, cakes, biscuits, breads and pancakes.
Buy now £4.00, Waitrose
Doves Farm Organic Buckwheat Flour 1kg
Doves Farm’s buckwheat flour presents a slightly speckled, mildly sweet ingredient for baking fans who favour an earthy flavour. It’s used predominantly in Russia, Asia and Europe, most likely due to its versatility. Whip up cakes, noodles and blinis and treat guests to an eclectic gluten-free meal.
Buy now £3.95, Waitrose
Doves Farm Coconut Flour 500g
The extensive selection at Doves Farm ensures that it really has all your gluten-free flour needs covered. The brand’s coconut flour is one you’ll want in your pantry as it’s high in fibre and protein. It is milled from organic, sustainably sourced coconuts grown in Sri Lanka and is perfect for whipping up pastries, cookies and other sweet bakes.
Buy now £3.95, Waitrose
Caputo Gluten Free Flour 1kg
When it comes to channelling your best pizza chef, you’ll need the right flour for that balance of doughiness and crispiness - and Caputo’s offering can’t be topped. The ingredient is a great alternative to standard flour and ideal for making quality gluten-free margheritas and the like as well as breads and baked goods.
Buy now £8.00, Ocado
Q Honey Almond Flour 1kg
Almond flour is low in carbs and brings the subtle nutty goodness to elevate pancakes, breads, macaroons and more. It contains healthy fats and fibre and slowly releases sugar into the blood to provide a sustained source of energy during the day. Enjoy the almond aroma and taste that adds depth to any freshly cooked dish.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
yourhealthstore Premium Whole Grain Gluten Free Sorghum Flour 500g
Bet you’ve never heard of this one. Sorghum flour is made from an ancient cereal grain that is naturally gluten-free. Don’t be alarmed that it is light in colour, it will become one you reach for time and time again for its mild sweet taste that makes it a go-to for desserts.
Sorghum flour is considered a dense option, so should be used in small doses for the best results. It’s high in protein and fibre and packed with iron and antioxidants which ease inflammation.
Buy now £5.89, Amazon
