Paleo Flours: A Guide to Baking with Nutritious Alternatives

If you’re following a Paleo diet but still want to enjoy delicious treats, try using Paleo flours as a substitute for traditional wheat flour. These flours are not only grain free and gluten free, they’re also nutrient dense and add a unique flavor and texture to your baked goods.

From almond flour to coconut flour and cassava flour, there are many nutritious and tasty grain-free, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly flours that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Coconut flour in a metal measuring cup next to measuring spoons.

1. Almond Flour

Almond flour is a popular ingredient in Paleo recipes and is a great alternative to traditional wheat flour. Almond flour is made by grinding blanched almonds into a fine powder. It can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes.

One of the benefits of using almond flour in Paleo recipes is that it’s high in nutritious fats, protein, and fiber. Almond flour is gluten free and low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for those following a Paleo or low-carb diet.

Some popular recipes that use almond flour in Paleo cooking include almond flour pancakes, almond flour bread, and almond flour pizza crust. Almond flour can also be used as a breading or to make delicious desserts like almond flour brownies and almond flour cookies.

2. Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is one of my favorite Paleo flours to use in baking. It’s made by grinding dried coconut meat into a fine powder, and it can be used in all sorts of sweet recipes.

One of the benefits of using coconut flour in Paleo recipes is that it’s high in fiber, which can help with digestion and promote feelings of fullness. Coconut flour is low in carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index, making it a great option for those following a Paleo or low-carb diet.

Some popular recipes that use coconut flour in Paleo cooking include coconut flour pancakes, coconut flour bread, and coconut flour pizza crust. Coconut flour can also be used as a thickener in sauces and soups, and it can be used to make delicious desserts like this chocolate black bean cake or these yummy coconut flour peanut butter cookies.

Five coconut flour peanut butter cookies on a white plate with a bite taken out of one.
Coconut Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

When using coconut flour in recipes, it’s important to note that it absorbs more liquid than traditional wheat flour, so recipes need to be adjusted accordingly. Also, some people find that the flavor of coconut flour can be quite strong, so it’s important to use it in recipes where its flavor complements the other ingredients.

3. Cassava Flour

Cassava flour is another popular ingredient in Paleo recipes. Cassava flour is made by grinding the root of the cassava plant into a fine powder. It can be used in a wide variety of recipes.

Some of the benefits of using cassava flour in Paleo recipes are that it’s high in fiber, low in carbohydrates, and has a low glycemic index.

Some popular recipes that use cassava flour include cassava flour tortillas, cassava flour bread, and cassava flour pizza crust. Cassava flour can also be used as a thickener in sauces and gravies, and it can be used to make desserts like brownies and cookies.

Cassava flour has a different texture than traditional wheat flour, so it definitely isn’t a 1:1 swap. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, which can add a unique taste to recipes.

4. Tigernut Flour

Tigernut flour is a lesser-known Paleo flour. Tigernuts are not actually nuts, but rather small root vegetables that are high in fiber, protein, and nutritious fats.

Tigernut flour is a great source of resistant starch, which is beneficial for gut health. Resistant starch feeds the good bacteria in your gut and can improve digestion.

Tigernut flour is high in fiber, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that works well in a variety of Paleo recipes, like cakes, muffins, and cookies.

5. Arrowroot Flour

Arrowroot flour is a popular ingredient in Paleo baking. It’s a gluten-free and grain-free flour that is made from the starchy roots of the arrowroot plant.

Arrowroot flour is a good source of resistant starch, has a neutral flavor, and creates a smooth and creamy texture. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of Paleo recipes.

When using arrowroot flour in your baking, keep in mind that it has a lighter texture than many other flours, so it may not work well in recipes that require a dense or chewy texture. It’s also important to note that arrowroot flour is pretty high in carbohydrates, so it’s best to use it in moderation and balance it with other Paleo flours like coconut flour or almond flour.

6. Green Banana Flour

Green banana flour is a nutritious Paleo flour made from unripe bananas. Unlike ripe bananas, which are high in sugar and carbohydrates, green bananas are low in sugar and high in resistant starch, making them a great ingredient for Paleo baking.

Green banana flour is high in fiber and is also a good source of potassium. It has a neutral flavor that works well in a variety of Paleo recipes such as bread, cakes, pancakes, and waffles.

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