Discover the benefits and learn the difference between Almond Flour vs. Almond Meal and why they are the best low carb and gluten-free flour substitutes you should have in your kitchen pantry. Make gluten free cookies and bread recipes with almond flour and almond meal to stay low-carb and healthy.
When I started using almonds in my baking, I had no idea there was a difference between almond meal and almond flour. I remember buying an almond meal, thinking it was the same thing, and being surprised when my cookies turned out too grainy and dark. That’s when I learned the hard way—almond meal and almond flour are different.
Over time, I’ve experimented with both and discovered which works best for different recipes. Let me share what I’ve learned to help you avoid the same mistakes and choose the right one for your next recipe.
I have complete control over everything since I make most of my keto flour substitutes. I try to do everything from scratch, carefully choosing all the ingredients I use.
Why You Will Love Almond Meal and Flour
- Gluten-Free: Almond flour and almond meal are naturally gluten-free, making them great options for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Low-Carb Flour Substitute: I love using them because they’re lower in carbs than regular wheat flour, which is perfect for my low-carb lifestyle.
- Easy to Make: Not only are they ideal for gluten-free baking, but they’re also quick and easy to make at home—just a few minutes, and you’ve got a fresh batch.
What Is Almond Flour?
Almond flour is made from blanched almonds with a texture like a soft powder. As I make my almond flour from blanched and activated almonds, it looks light and pale because the almonds used have their skins removed. Many people, including myself, prefer using almond flour in baking instead of regular flour. It’s perfect for making bread, cakes, cookies, and other delicious treats. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a healthier option for many recipes.
What Is Almond Meal?
Almond meal is made from ground almonds with their skin still on, making it rougher and darker than almond flour. Almond meal is typically used in baking, like almond flour, but more in recipes where you do not care about the light color. I use almond meal regularly in my recipes, giving your baked goods a nutty taste and extra fiber.
What’s The Difference Between Almond Flour vs Almond Meal?
- Texture: Almond flour usually has a finer and lighter texture that is suitable for regular baked goods such as bundt cakes or gluten-free pretzels. While almond meal has a coarser texture, lending a denser consistency and different feel to recipes like Nutella cookies and low-carb bread.
- Uses In Baking: Their main difference in baking is that almond flour is commonly used in recipes that require a finer texture and smoother finish, such as macarons or pie crusts. On the other hand, an almond meal is preferred for recipes with a nutty flavor, such as muffins or crumbles, is desired.
- Taste: Almond flour has a milder flavor than almond meal as it does not include almond skin, which makes it taste more neutral.
Ways To Use Almond Flour
Almond flour is one of the best flour substitutes I have been using for quite some time now, and it can help you achieve good results, especially when it comes to baked goods like simple steamed bread, holiday cupcakes, and granola. It is perfect for soft teddy bears, gingerbread, and butter cookies. It can even be used to coat fried food like popcorn chicken to make the texture fresh and crispy.
Ways To Use Almond Meal
In some ways, you can use almond meal in the same way as almond flour since they can be used interchangeably. Since almond meal has a darker and rougher texture than almond flour, it is perfect for dishes like this asparagus quiche, breakfast oatmeal, and even smoothies to add more protein boost. Almond meal can be used for cheesecake crusts like what I did in my wild blueberry cheesecake for a creamy and nutty taste.
How To Make Homemade Almond Flour And Almond Meal
If you are looking for an easy flour substitute for the regular ones, this is the best time to make almond flour and meal at home using only a single blender or a food processor.
Kitchen Gadgets Needed:
- Magic Bullet Blender: Use this magic bullet blender for a convenient and easy grinding of your almonds to a finely ground consistency.
Ingredients Needed:
- Almonds: These almond nuts will be your base for making almond meal and almond flour. You can separate the peeled almonds from the unpeeled ones for easy preparation. You can use blanched almonds or activated almonds, but ensure they are dried before grinding.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING ALMOND MEAL AND ALMOND FLOUR
First Step: Prepare Your Almonds
Prepare all the almonds. You can make these two almond pantry ingredients in one go since both recipes use only almonds. Just make sure to prepare unpeeled almonds and peeled almonds.
Second Step: Place In Blender
If you are the same as me and use a Magic Bullet blender, place the almonds in the blender cups separately and prepare for grinding. If you use a food processor or a coffee grinder, you can make them one batch at a time.
Third Step: Blend
Once assembled separately, pulse the almond flour and meal until they turn into fine ground almonds with a flour texture.
Fourth Step: Check The Consistency
Once you grind both into your desired consistency, remove them from the blender, check if coarse almonds are still left, and grind them a few more pulses.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MAKING ALMOND MEAL AND FLOUR:
- Almonds: Make sure you are using fresh almonds that are good quality if you are planning to make a massive batch of almond flour or almond meal.
- Blender: Use a sturdy and good-quality blender to grind your almonds for the best results possible.
- Sift the almonds: This process is optional, but you can also do it if you aim for a finer consistency for your almond flour and meal.
- Blanching almonds: If you do not have almonds without the skin, quick blanching will help release the outer layer, making it easy to peel.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Are They Gluten Free and Low Carb?
Yes, both almond meal and almond flour are gluten-free and low carb, and they are the best options for people who are gluten intolerant or following a low-carb diet.
Since they are made from almonds, which are naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, almond meals and almond flour are safe choices for those with dietary restrictions, so I only use them in my recipes instead of regular flour.
Why Is Almond Skin Included In Making Homemade Almond Meal?
Including almond skin in a homemade almond meal is an excellent idea because it boosts the nutrient and fiber content. I also like leaving the skin on because it’s easier and more cost-effective to grind whole almonds, skin and all.
Keeping the skin adds flavor and nutrition when making an almond meal home.
Can I Substitute Almond Meal And Almond Flour Interchangeably?
You can usually swap almond meal and almond flour in recipes, but there might be some differences, especially in texture. Almond meal has the skin on, so it is a bit coarser and adds a nuttier flavor, while almond flour is finer and made from blanched almonds, making it lighter in texture.
Depending on what you are making, you prefer one over the other. Remember that if you switch, your recipe’s texture and taste might change a little. Feel free to use either, but be aware of their differences.
Do I Need To Blanch Almonds For Making Almond Flour At Home?
You don’t have to blanch almonds to make almond flour at home, but it depends on your desired texture. Blanching removes the skins, which gives you a finer, lighter flour that’s great for baking. If you don’t blanch them, you’ll have a coarser almond meal with a darker color, which still works well for many recipes. Both options are good; it just depends on your preference.
Yes, you can freeze almond meal or almond flour. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep it fresh. It can last in the freezer for up to six months. Freezing is a great way to prevent it from going bad, especially if you buy or make it in bulk. When ready to use it, just let it come to room temperature before adding it to your recipes.
More Pantry Recipes To Make
Aside from homemade flour substitutes, I have also prepared some pantry recipes you can make at home to access any ingredients you need for your following recipes easily.
Try making homemade sweeteners for your desserts, cake recipes, and stevia powder for your usual go-to sweetener. Our homemade coconut shreds and making coconut milk from scratch are also a must-try for storing in your pantry.
For your baked goods, you can try these easy baking powder substitutes for low-carb and keto-friendly options when baking.
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Almond Meal vs Almond Flour
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare all the almonds. You can make these two almond pantry ingredients in one go since both recipes use only almonds. Just make sure to prepare unpeeled almonds and peeled almonds.
- If you are the same as me and use a Magic Bullet blender, place the almonds in the blender cups separately and prepare for grinding. If you use a food processor or a coffee grinder, you can make them one batch at a time.
- Once assembled separately, pulse the almond flour and meal until they turn into fine ground almonds with a flour texture.
- Once you grind both into your desired consistency, remove them from the blender, check if coarse almonds are still left, and grind them a few more pulses.
Video
Notes
- Almonds: Make sure you are using fresh almonds that are good quality if you are planning to make a massive batch of almond flour or almond meal.
- Blender: Use a sturdy and good-quality blender to grind your almonds for the best results possible.
- Sift the almonds: This process is optional, but you can also do it if you aim for a finer consistency for your almond flour and meal.
- Blanching almonds: If you do not have almonds without the skin, quick blanching will help release the outer layer, making it easy to peel.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Extra Pantry Ideas
As you see, I love producing my own ingredients; here are some ideas you can try.
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