Best Gluten-Free Flours (2024)

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By Audrey Roberts

Nov 06, 2023

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Choosing the right gluten-free flour for your recipe is the key to gluten-free baking. We have test-baked with the most popular gluten-free all-purpose flours on the market to find the best ones for both baking and cooking.

Best Gluten-Free Flours (2)

Gluten-Free Flours

One of the key challenges in gluten-free baking is finding the right flour that can mimic the taste and texture of traditional wheat flour. Fortunately, there are several outstanding gluten-free flour brands on the market today, offering a wide range of options for creating delicious, gluten-free baked goods. In this comprehensive guide to the best gluten-free flour brands, we will be sharing our favorite gluten-free flour brands that have been tested with our gluten-free recipes.

The easiest gluten-free flour to bake with is an all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Most gluten-free all-purpose flour blends have starches and xanthan gum already in them.

The xanthan gum helps replace the elasticity and texture of gluten. Baking with an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum is critical for being successful with gluten-free baking recipes. Below are our top picks for gluten-free flour brands according to our years of gluten-free recipe development experience and test baking.

Pillsbury Gluten-Free Flour

Best Gluten-Free Flours (3)

Pillsbury Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour Blend

Pros

  • Easy 1-to-1 substitution for all-purpose and wheat flour
  • Versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes (sweet and savory)
  • Suitable for use in yeast baking
  • Neutral flavor
  • Already contains xanthan gum

Cons

  • Not found as easily in grocery stores as compared to other popular brands
  • Because of a recent product change, it is only available only in a 1-pound bag

Pillsbury Gluten-Free Flour is Mama Knows Gluten Free’s top choice for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum. It’s specially formulated to replicate the texture and taste of traditional wheat flour. This gluten-free flour blend can be used in a wide range of recipes, from our Gluten-Free Bread and Gluten-Free Biscuits, to Gluten-Free Pancakes.

For bakers looking for a dependable alternative to traditional wheat flour, the Pillsbury gluten-free is an excellent choice. It is also one of the few gluten-free flour blends that will work successfully for yeast baking. Not all brands of gluten-free flour blends are recommended for yeast baking.

It’s the product we recommend again and again across the site. If you only want to keep one type of gluten-free flour in your pantry, it should be the Pillsbury gluten-free flour.It can be found at local grocery stores (see Pillsbury’s store locator), Walmart, and online.

Ingredients: Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Pea Fiber, Tapioca Starch, Xanthan Gum.

Best Gluten-Free Flours (4)

Better Batter Cup For Cup

Best Gluten-Free Flours (5)

Better Batter Original All Purpose Flour Blend

Pros

  • Is excellent for yeast baking
  • Has great elasticity and stretch for making pie crusts and pastry dough
  • Neutral flavor
  • Already contains xanthan gum
  • Certified gluten-free
  • Free from top 8 food allergens

Cons

  • Is more expensive than other popular brands
  • Can only be purchased online
  • The pectin in the blend can make some products taste gummy, like pancakes

Better Batter Gluten-Free Flour is Mama Knows Guten Free’s favorite brand for gluten-free flour for yeast baking. This flour blend can also be used in different types of gluten-free baking recipes. We recommend Better Batter when making our recipes for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls, Gluten-Free Pie Crust, and Gluten-Free Tortillas.

Better Batter is certified gluten-free by the non-profit Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG®)
Certified Top 8 Allergy Free From by CFF. It is available for sale online.

Ingredients: Rice flour, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, potato flour, xanthan gum, pectin (lemon derivative)

Best Gluten-Free Flours (6)

King Arthur Measure For Measure

Best Gluten-Free Flours (7)

King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour

Pros

  • Produces a good texture in most gluten-free baked goods
  • Already contains xanthan gum
  • Certified gluten-free
  • Easily found at grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and online
  • Is available in a 1-pound and 3-pound bag

Cons

  • Not recommended for yeast baking
  • Sorghum and brown rice flour in the blend gives it a less neutral flavor
  • Absorbs liquid differently than other popular brands
  • Can produce a grainer and denser product depending on which type of recipe it is used in

King Arthur Flour is a trusted name in the world of baking that offers a selection of gluten-free flours. Their Measure for Measure is King Arthur’s all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. King Arthur Flour is known for its consistent quality and easy use in gluten-free baking. King Arthur does not recommend this flour for yeast baking.

King Arthur’s gluten-free flour blend is certified gluten-free by the non-profit Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG®) It is also easily found at grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and online.

Ingredients: Rice flour, whole grain brown rice flour, whole sorghum flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, cellulose, xanthan gum, vitamin and mineral blend.

Bob’s Red Mill 1-To-1 Baking Flour

Best Gluten-Free Flours (8)

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour

Pros

  • Produces a good texture in most gluten-free baked goods
  • Already contains xanthan gum
  • Made in a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility
  • Easily found at grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and online
  • Is available in a 1-pound, 2-pound bag, and 25-pound bag

Cons

  • Not recommended for yeast baking
  • Can be grainy in some recipes
  • Less neutral flavor because of the brown rice and sorghum in the flour blend
  • Absorbs liquid differently than other popular brands

Bob’s Red Mill is a popular brand in the gluten-free flour industry. They offer a variety of gluten-free flours, including options like almond flour, oat flour, Paleo flour, and their signature Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. Their Gluten-Free1-to-1 Baking Flour is a favorite among gluten-free bakers. Bob’s Red Mill does not recommend this flour for use in yeast recipes.

Bob’s Red Mill processes, packages, and tests this flour in their 100% dedicated gluten-free facility. It is also easily found at grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and online.

Ingredients: Sweet white rice flour, whole grain brown rice flour, potato starch, whole grain sorghum flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum

Great Value

Best Gluten-Free Flours (9)

Great Value Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour

Pros

  • Contains xanthan gum
  • Light flavor
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Not recommended for yeast baking
  • Only available at Walmart
  • Does not produce the best texture in all recipes and can be grainy
  • Only available in a 1-pound bag

Great Value Gluten-Free Flour is a budget-friendly option that caters to cost-conscious consumers who are seeking gluten-free flour. While this gluten-free flour blend may be more affordable than some other brands, it is a good option for those looking to enjoy gluten-free baking without breaking the bank. Great Value Gluten-Free flour can be found exclusively at Walmart.

Ingredients: Brown rice flour, rice flour, sweet rice flour, tapioca starch, sorghum flour, cornstarch, potato starch, xanthan gum

The Bottom Line:

If you want to buy just one gluten-free flour, we highly recommend the Pillsbury all-purpose gluten-free flour. Not only is it our favorite gluten-free flour, and easy to use in gluten-free recipes, but it’s also one of the few gluten-free flours currently on the market that is recommended for baking with yeast.

How We Chose the Best Gluten-Free Flours

Over the years, Mama Knows Gluten Free has test-baked with many brands of gluten-free flours while developing our gluten-free recipes. When selecting the best gluten-free flours to recommend, we made our picks based on taste, texture, and our results from years of gluten-free test baking.

Gluten-Free Flour Brands

The gluten-free flour market has come a long way over the last few years. Today, there are several top-quality options that are readily available for your gluten-free baking needs. When choosing the best gluten-free flour brand for your needs, consider factors such as your dietary restrictions, recipe requirements, and personal preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned gluten-free baker or just starting to explore the gluten-free lifestyle, the gluten-free flour brands mentioned above offer excellent options that can help you create delicious gluten-free baked goods.

Experimenting with the different brands of gluten-free all-purpose flour blends will help you to find the ones that suit your taste and dietary needs the best. By using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xantham gum you can enjoy the freedom of baking without gluten without compromising on flavor or texture!

It’s also important to note that you should consider the brand of gluten-free flour that a gluten-free recipe was developed with. That’s because not all gluten-free flours are created the same, and you may get different results than the recipe from a website or cookbook.

Why Trust Mama Knows Gluten-Free

Mama Knows Gluten Free is one of the most trusted websites for gluten-free recipes. Audrey Roberts founded Mama Knows Gluten-Free with the goal of helping other families navigate the challenges of living with dietary restrictions. She has been gluten-free since 2010, is a professional gluten-free recipe developer, and is a best-selling cookbook author. Over the years, she has tested a wide range of different gluten-free flour brands in the development of her gluten-free recipes.

Categorized as:
Articles, Baking

About Audrey Roberts

I'm Audrey Roberts, a busy mama of four and I love sharing the recipes that I make for my family. I make gluten-free family-friendly recipes that are simple and delicious that you can too! I use easy to find ingredients that won't break your budget. You will also find dairy-free options and Paleo recipes. I am also the author of The Everything Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookbook, which is an Amazon Best Selling Cookbook in the US and Internationally. Living gluten-free since 2010. I hope by me sharing my journey it may help you with yours.

Read More About Me

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Best Gluten-Free Flours (2024)

FAQs

Which gluten free flour is closest to all-purpose flour? ›

Brown rice flour is about as close to a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour as it gets since it provides structure and a “wheat-like” flavor.

What is the trick to baking with gluten free flour? ›

Use xanthan gum or guar gum: Gluten-free flours lack the elasticity and structure that gluten provides, so adding a binder like xanthan or guar gum can help to hold the ingredients together and give your baked goods a better texture.

What is the healthiest gluten free flour? ›

Almond flour (or almond meal) offers a better nutrient profile for protein, fiber and vitamins, according to Cushman. It also adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, protein, vitamin E and fiber and contains minimal carbohydrates.

What is the easiest gluten free flour to digest? ›

Arrowroot Starch/Flour: This is my favorite of the starches, for no reason other than I find it the easiest to digest. *In any of my recipes, you can substitute arrowroot with tapioca, which is cheaper.

What is the best gluten free flour for dough? ›

What's the best gluten-free flour for baking? Bob's Red Mill gluten-free 1-to-1 baking mix is my favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for baking. It has a mild texture and plenty of "stick" thanks to a blend of sweet rice flour, brown rice flour, and sorghum flour, plus some starches and xanthan gum.

Can I just replace flour with gluten free flour? ›

If the original recipe calls for 260 grams of all-purpose flour, substitute with 260 grams of your blend. Beat the batter more. Because gluten-free flours provide less structure than all-purpose, the batter or dough you make with them may require more beating than that which you are accustomed.

What gluten free flour thickens best? ›

White rice flour: fine wheat substitute

Made from finely milled white rice, rice flour is a great substitute for wheat flour. It works very well as a thickening agent because it prevents liquid separation – it is particularly good for soups, gravies and sauces but can also work for cakes, cookies and crackers.

Does baking time change with gluten free flour? ›

Remember, baking times for gluten-free foods vary greatly, and it's important to keep a constant eye on your creation to monitor for the colors and textures that indicate doneness. These recipes often call for longer baking times at a lower temperature compared to traditional recipes.

Should you let gluten-free batter rest before baking? ›

Gluten-free batters need to rest.

This is remediated by resting your batter for about 30 minutes so the flour has time to hydrate and soften. Resting is especially important for gluten-free baked goods that have a shorter bake time, like pancakes and cookies.

What to use instead of xanthan gum? ›

9 Substitutes for Xanthan Gum
  • Psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is made from the husks of Plantago ovata seeds and is sold ground for baking purposes. ...
  • Chia seeds and water. When soaked, chia seeds form a gel much like xanthan gum. ...
  • Ground flax seeds and water. ...
  • Cornstarch. ...
  • Unflavored gelatin. ...
  • Egg whites. ...
  • Agar agar. ...
  • Guar gum.
May 13, 2020

What is the best anti inflammatory flour? ›

Quinoa flour is a good source of fiber and nutrients, with ½ cup providing over 30% DV of iron and a notable amount of potassium. Quinoa flour has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, benefits gut health and improves overall health status.

What are the cons of gluten-free flour? ›

Keep in mind that some processed gluten-free foods contain high amounts of unhealthy ingredients such as sodium, sugar and fat. Consuming these foods can lead to weight gain, blood sugar swings, high blood pressure and other problems. So, a gluten-free label doesn't necessarily make a food healthy.

What flour is best for gut health? ›

What flours include prebiotics and fibre for gut health?
  • Buckwheat – a source of resistant starch and polyphenols.
  • Rye – a source of arabinoxylan, beta-glucan, galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, resistant starch and polyphenols.
  • Sorghum – a source of arabinoxylan, resistant starch and polyphenols.

What is the closest gluten free flour to regular flour? ›

"But, if I'm trying to sub a regular traditional flour, I tend to grab oat flour since that mimics wheat flour beautifully." She also attains fluffiness by mixing blanched almond flour and oat flour, adjusting the amounts for each recipe.

Is there a gluten free flour that is not gritty? ›

Tapioca Flour (Paleo, Grain-Free)

It has no flavor and is very fine in texture. It is useful for thickening.

How do I choose gluten free flour? ›

For flours that are made from grains (amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, quinoa, rice flours, sorghum, and teff), always buy them labeled gluten-free, since many are grown, harvested and processed in facilities that also manufacture wheat, barley, or rye and cross-contact can occur.

What is the best gluten-free flour for digestion? ›

Let's talk about the most common ones.
  • White Rice Flour: This has a very neutral taste and is made from finely milled white rice. It is cheap and easy to digest.
  • Brown Rice Flour: More fiber, fat, and protein than white rice flour. ...
  • Sweet Rice Flour: Made from ground glutinous rice (does NOT contain gluten).
Jul 2, 2021

What is the secret of baking with gluten-free flour? ›

Gluten-free baked goods often benefit from extra liquid to hydrate the flour blends, eliminate grittiness, and achieve a less dense or dry texture. However, it's very important to drive off this extra moisture during baking, or you'll wind up with a gummy texture. The best way to do this? Longer baking times.

What is the weakest gluten flour? ›

The flour with the lowest amount of gluten in it is cake flour containing only 7-9% gluten. It is of course used in cake, but also muffins and delicate cookies. All-purpose flour has 8-11% gluten in it. It can be used to make things like waffles, pie crusts, pastries, and cookies.

What is gluten-free multipurpose flour? ›

Gluten free flour is a name for flours which aren't made with gluten products – it is used in place of traditional wheat, rye and barley flours by people who have a gluten intolerance. Gluten free flour can be made from a range of different grains including rice, buckwheat and tapioca.

What soft white flour is lower in gluten than all-purpose flour? ›

Cake Flour

For soft, moist baked goods, cake flour is the ideal choice. It has the lowest protein content of gluten-based flour, making it less structured than the others. Additionally, it is milled extra-fine and bleached, allowing it to absorb more liquids and fats to make a deliciously moist cake.

What gluten free flour is best for frying? ›

Gluten-free chefs swear by millet flour for breading pan fried meats and fish. It adds a light, almost sweet flavor and crumbly texture to foods, and is full of protein!

What is a healthier substitute for all-purpose flour? ›

Healthiest Flours for Baking
  • Coconut flour. Coconut flour — made by milling dried coconut meat into a powder — is a grain- and gluten-free option. ...
  • Oat flour. Oat flour — made from ground-up rolled oats — is a whole-grain flour that is gluten-free. ...
  • Quinoa flour. ...
  • Buckwheat flour.
Jul 12, 2023

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