Almond powder, also known as almond flour, is made from blanched almonds that are finely ground into a meal consistency. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people adopt low-carb and keto diets or need gluten-free alternatives to regular flour.
Compared to traditional all-purpose flour, almond powder is lower in carbohydrates, higher in protein and fiber and free from gluten. This makes it a useful ingredient for those managing diabetes or looking to cut back on refined grains. It can be used to make a variety of baked goods, from breads and muffins to cookies and cakes.
Blue Diamond Almond Flour
Blue Diamond Almond Flour is made from finely sifted California almonds. The flour has a fine texture that blends well in recipes like cookies, pancakes, and quick breads. It can be used to make delicious low carb baked goods.
Blue Diamond Almond Flour is moist and adds great almond flavor to baked goods without an overpowering taste. It performs well in recipes for breads, desserts, and as a substitute for regular wheat flour. Customers like that it has 6g of protein per serving and is easy to use in gluten free and Keto recipes.
Key Features:
- Finely sifted
- Made from California almonds
- Gluten free
What We Like:
- Moist texture
- Great almond flavor
- Low carb
King Arthur Almond Flour
King Arthur Almond Flour is made from finely ground California almonds. It has been blanched so the skins have been removed. The flour is certified gluten-free and non-GMO verified.
The super-fine texture of King Arthur's almond flour makes it a versatile ingredient for gluten free baking recipes. It adds great nutrition, flavor, and moisture to items like scones, cakes, cookies, and more. The flour can also be used as a substitute for bread crumbs in savory dishes.
Key Features:
- Finely ground
- California almonds
- Blanched
- Certified gluten-free
What We Like:
- Versatile for baking
- Nutty flavor
- Moist texture
Nature's Eats Blanched Almond Flour
Nature's Eats Blanched Almond Flour is made from almonds with the skins removed. It has a super fine grind.
The almond flour can be used for baking gluten free items like cookies, cakes, muffins, and breads. It also works well as a breading for meats and vegetables. Customers like that it provides a great alternative to regular wheat flour for people who need or prefer to avoid gluten.
Key Features:
- Blanched
- Super fine grind
- Gluten free
What We Like:
- Alternative to wheat flour
- Versatile for baking
- Low carb
Nature's Eats Almond Flour
Nature's Eats Almond Flour is a blend that combines almond flour with coconut flour, arrowroot, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum. It is formulated to mimic all purpose flour.
The flour blend can be used in a 1 to 1 ratio to replace wheat flour in recipes. It provides lift and structure for baking items like cookies, cakes, muffins, and breads. Customers like that it has a mild flavor and lighter texture compared to plain almond flour.
Key Features:
- Almond flour blend
- Replaces all purpose flour
- Gluten free
What We Like:
- Lighter texture
- Works in many recipes
- Mild flavor
Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour
Bob's Red Mill Super-Fine Almond Flour is made from blanched California almonds. The almonds are finely ground into a meal with a smooth, moist texture.
The super-fine almond flour can be used to make delicious baked goods including cookies, pies, cakes, muffins and more. It provides great nutrition and a rich, nutty flavor without being overpowering. The flour is certified gluten free and works well for paleo and keto recipes.
Key Features:
- Super-fine grind
- California almonds
- Blanched
- Gluten free
What We Like:
- Smooth, moist texture
- Subtle nutty flavor
- Low carb
Anthony's Almond Flour
Anthony's Almond Flour is made from blanched almonds with no added ingredients. It has a fine grind good for baking. The almond flour is batch tested to confirm it is gluten free.
Anthony's Almond Flour can be used to replace wheat flour in recipes for quick breads, pancakes, and cookies. It adds nutty flavor and moisture. The flour is versatile for paleo, keto, vegan, and gluten free diets. Customers like the quality and taste.
Key Features:
- Blanched almonds
- Gluten free
- Fine grind
What We Like:
- Great for baking
- Nutty flavor
- Low carb
PuroRaw Almond Flour
PuroRaw Almond Flour is made from finely ground blanched almonds. It contains no additives or preservatives. The flour is certified gluten free and non-GMO.
The super fine almond flour can substitute for wheat flour in many recipes. It adds protein and fiber for a healthier option than traditional flour. Customers like that it has a pleasant, mild taste for baking.
Key Features:
- Blanched
- Gluten free
- Super fine
What We Like:
- Low carb
- Pleasant flavor
- Nutritious
365 Almond Flour
365 Almond Flour is made simply from blanched almonds. It meets Whole Foods Market quality standards with no hydrogenated oils or artificial colors.
The almond flour provides a nutty, gluten free alternative to regular wheat flour. 365 Almond Flour can be used in recipes to reduce carbs and increase protein intake compared to grain flours. Customers like that it's budget-friendly.
Key Features:
- Blanched almonds
- Gluten free
- Whole Foods quality
What We Like:
- Nutty flavor
- Low carb
- Affordable
Herbaila Almond Flour
Herbaila Almond Flour is finely ground from blanched almonds. It is 100% almond and contains no other ingredients. The flour is gluten free and vegan.
Herbaila Almond Flour can substitute for wheat flour in recipes for bread, pancakes, and baked goods. It is suitable for paleo, keto, and gluten free diets. The flour adds nutrition without carbs.
Key Features:
- Finely ground
- Blanched
- Gluten free
What We Like:
- Low carb
- Versatile
- Nutritious
Wellbee's Almond Flour
Wellbee's Almond Flour is made from blanched almonds ground into a super fine powder. It contains no additives or chemicals.
Wellbee's Almond Flour has a smooth, moist texture that blends well in recipes for cookies, cakes, breads, and more. It can substitute for wheat flour in baked goods for a low carb option. Customers like the light, fluffy results.
Key Features:
- Super fine
- Blanched
- No additives
What We Like:
- Light texture
- Moist
- Low carb
Buying Guide for Best Almond Powder
Processing Method
Almond powder comes in two main varieties: blanched and natural.
Blanched almond powder has the skins removed from the almonds prior to grinding. This results in a slightly lighter color and finer texture. It allows for better binding in recipes.
Natural almond powder is made from almonds with the skins left on. It has a coarser texture and deeper almond flavor. The skins add fiber and antioxidant benefits.
Blanched almond powder generally works better for delicate baked goods where texture is important. Natural almond powder can be used in most recipes, but adds flecks of skin and has a grittier mouthfeel.
Fineness
Almond powder comes in different grinds—some fine and powdery, others more coarse and granular.
The fineness of the grind affects how smoothly it incorporates into batters and doughs. Finer almond powder acts more like traditional flour and leads to better rising and binding. Coarse almond powder has more texture but can result in denser baked goods.
Look for powder that is super finely ground if you plan to use it for cakes, cookies and muffins. Coarser grinds are alright for breads and flatbreads that don’t require as much lift.
Raw vs Roasted
Almonds can be raw or roasted before grinding into powder.
Raw almond powder retains more nutrients, like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidant activity. It has a milder flavor.
Roasted almond powder has a deeper, nuttier taste. The roasting process reduces some nutrients but also breaks down phytic acid, making minerals like iron and calcium more bioavailable.
Both make suitable substitutes for regular flour, so this decision comes down to personal taste preference. Roasted almond powder pairs well with chocolate, coffee, fall spices, etc.
Origin and Processing
When possible, look for almond powder made with California-grown almonds. The state produces over 80% of the world’s almonds and has strict quality standards. Imported almonds may come from countries with lower regulations.
The powder itself should be processed in a certified gluten-free and allergen-free facility. This avoids cross-contamination for those with food sensitivities.
Companies serious about quality will often state if they follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This indicates proper procedures for testing, processing, labeling and storage.
Additives
Check the ingredients list for any unnecessary additives like sugars, oils or preservatives.
The powder itself may contain anti-caking agents (like silicon dioxide) to prevent clumping. But quality brands shouldn’t have any extra fillers.
Ideally, the only ingredient should be “almonds”. Opt for brands using whole almonds rather than almond meal or defatted almond flour.
Certifications
Reputable almond powder brands may hold certifications like USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, or Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
While not mandatory, third-party certifications indicate the powder meets certain production standards and contains no genetically-modified ingredients or gluten cross-contamination.
Protein and Fiber Content
Quality almond powder contains around 20-25% protein and 10-15% fiber (values can vary slightly between blanched and natural varieties).
Compare nutrition labels and look for powders at the higher end of this range. Higher protein and fiber indicates an almond-rich product without unnecessary fillers.
Price and Value
Ounce for ounce, almond powder costs significantly more than regular flour—generally $3 to $12 per pound.
When assessing price, remember that almond powder offers added nutritional benefits. Focus on quality rather than buying the absolute cheapest option.
Buying in bulk bags (5-25 lbs) typically offers the best value overall. Just be mindful of expiration dates, since almond powder has a shorter shelf life than flour.
FAQs
Is almond powder gluten-free?
Yes, almond powder is naturally gluten-free. Just confirm the brand you buy is processed in a gluten-free facility to prevent cross-contamination. Any certified gluten-free powder will clearly state this on the label.
Does almond powder go bad?
Like regular flour, almond powder has a limited shelf life. The oils in the almonds can go rancid over time. Properly stored almond powder lasts around 6-12 months at cool room temperatures. Check the best by date and inspect for any off odors before use. Freeze any extras for longer term storage.
How do you substitute almond powder for flour?
As a general rule, you can replace regular flour with almond powder at a 1:1 ratio by weight in recipes. However, almond powder absorbs more moisture, so you may need to adjust wet ingredients slightly. Add eggs or liquid gradually to achieve the right batter consistency.
Can you use almond powder for yeast breads?
Yes, but with some modifications. Almond powder is heavier and denser than wheat flour, with less gluten. For yeast breads, use about 25% almond powder blended with lighter flours and add extra leavening. The texture will be a bit more dense.
What can you make with almond powder?
Almond powder works well in a variety of baked goods like cakes, cookies, muffins, scones, pastries, breads, and pizza crusts. You can also use it for coating fish and meats or for making grain-free breakfast cereals. Get creative and experiment with recipes!
Conclusion
Almond powder is a nutrient-dense, low-carb flour alternative perfect for anyone managing diabetes, gluten intolerance, or simply looking to increase protein and nutrients in their baking.
Pay attention to factors like the grind size, raw vs. roasted, and quality of manufacturing when purchasing. Look for brands offering certified gluten-free and GMP-compliant almond powder without unnecessary additives.
Store almond powder properly in the freezer to maximize freshness. With the right brand and recipe adjustments, almond powder can substitute for regular wheat flour in a diverse range of baked goods and dishes.
References:
- Barney Unsweetened Powdered Almond Butter - This product is made with just one ingredient - almonds! It is 100% natural and non-GMO.
- David Lebovitz - Almond Flour FAQs - This page provides tips and answers about using almond flour, almond meal, and ground almonds. It also includes instructions on how to make your own almond flour.
- Wellbee's Super Fine Blanched Almond Flour / Powder 5 Pound - This almond flour is super fine and made with 100% pure skinless almonds. It is also certified kosher and gluten-free.
- The Loopy Whisk - Almond Flour vs Almond Meal: What's the Difference? - This page describes the difference between almond flour, almond meal, and ground almonds, and their role in gluten-free baking.
- Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking - How to Make Almond Flour - This page provides instructions on how to make almond flour at home. It also includes answers to frequently asked questions about making almond flour.