Almond Meal vs Almond Flour + How To Make Both

Are you looking to switch up your baking supplies and wondering whether you should use almond meal vs almond flour? In this article, you will discover the difference between the two, as well as their unique uses and properties in baking.

This article will help you understand what almond meal and almond flour are and how to make both.

Plus, learn where to buy almond meal and almond flour and if they are gluten-free. So grab your measuring spoons and let's get baking!

Use the Table of Contents below to navigate to the section of your choice or keep reading to learn more about almond meal vs almond flour.

Are Almond Meal And Almond Flour The Same?

When it comes to baking and replacing regular flour you might be wondering is almond flour the same as almond meal? Though they are similar, you will notice that almond flour is finer in texture and is usually made from blanched almonds as almond meal is made from raw unpeeled almonds. 

What Is Almond Flour?

Almond flour is a versatile and nutritious alternative to traditional wheat flour. It is made from finely ground blanched almonds, resulting in a fine, light-colored powder with a slightly nutty flavor. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Additionally, it is packed with essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for baking and cooking 

What Is Almond Meal?

Almond meal is a coarser, slightly grainy product that shares similarities with almond flour but is distinct in its texture and preparation. Unlike almond flour, almond meal is made from whole almonds, including the skin. The almonds are ground into a coarse consistency, resulting in a slightly textured meal with a rich, nutty flavor. 

Almond Meal vs. Almond Flour In Baking

When it comes to baking, almond flour, and almond meal have some key differences that can affect the outcome of your recipes. Some differences you will notice in almond flour and almond meal is the texture, how they absorb liquid, color, and the versatility of them. 

Which Is Better For Baking? Almond Meal Or Almond Flour?

Both almond flour and almond meal both offer unique properties in baking, and the choice between the two depends on the desired texture and flavor in your baked goods. Almond flour works well for lighter, softer treats like almond flour bread, while almond meal is better suited for recipes where a coarser, nuttier texture is preferred. 

When deciding between almond meal versus almond flour, I recommend using what the recipe calls for, however, if you are making your own recipe try subbing regular flour for almond flour, you should use finely ground almond flour. 

Are Almond Meal And Almond Flour Gluten-Free?

Yes, almond meal and almond flour are both naturally gluten-free. 

Gluten is a protein found in various different grains, including wheat, rye, barley, or oats if they weren’t grown separately from gluten-containing grains. You might see these ingredients on the ingredients list of the nutrient label instead of the word ‘gluten’ itself.

According to the FDA, a product can only be labeled as gluten-free in the United States if it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. Therefore, although almond meal is naturally gluten-free, you may want that extra assurance that the gluten free label brings as cross-contact can occur during processing.

Where Do You Buy Almond Meal Or Almond Flour?

You should be able to find some great brands at your local grocery store or snag almond flour on Amazon, but there are great options available at online retailers too like GoPuff or Thrive Market. 

GoPuff is a grocery store that only does delivery within an hour and your food comes from their local warehouses. Thrive Market is similar, but available throughout the continental US. You can read my full review of Thrive Market here.

Best Gluten-Free Almond Flour Brands

These almond flour brands are perfect for your gluten free kitchen, learn more about them in the list below or shop directly from the image carousel.

• Anthony's Organic Almond Flour. Anthony's almond flour is culinary grade and extra fine giving it a fantastic texture in baked goods. It’s also my #1 pick! Find it on Amazon here.
• Wholesome Yum Premium Fine Ground Blanched Almond Flour. Some almond flours tend to be grainy but this flour is fine and easy to use. Find it on Amazon here.
• Blue Diamond Gluten-Free Almond Flour. If you are looking for a healthier alternative for your baking needs this flour has some great qualities that will make your baking easy. It’s also one of the brands that’s most likely to be available at your local store. Find it on Amazon here.
• King Arthur Certified Gluten-Free Almond Flour. A great substitute for regular flour that will add some good flavor to your baking. King Arthur is known for delicious baking, and this flour is no exception. Find it on Amazon here.

Best Gluten-Free Almond Meal Brands

These almond meal brands are great for your gluten free baking needs, learn more about them in the list below or shop directly from the image carousel.

• Worldwide Botanicals Roasted Almond Meal. This certified almond meal is an absolute must for those that eat gluten-free. Whether you are using it for baking or breadcrumbs you are sure to love the taste it offers. Find it on Amazon here.
• Pure Almond Meal. This almond meal is fluffy, light, and fresh tasting. This product is great whether you are baking sweet treats or breads. Find it on Amazon here.
• Barney Butter Almond Meal. Though this brand may be a bit more pricey than others, you are sure to enjoy it when you are baking or making homemade crispy chicken fingers. Find it on Amazon here.
• Unpretentious Almond Meal. This non-GMO and gluten free almond meal by Unpretentious is a great replacement for breading or as a topping for desserts. Find it on Amazon here.

How To Make Homemade Almond Flour Or Almond Meal

Are you looking to make your own almond flour or almond meal from scratch? Whether you're looking to make a sweet recipe or a savory recipe like Gluten Free Crab Cakes, here's how you do it!

If you're aiming for blanched almond flour, here's what you need to do: Begin by bringing water to a boil in a pot. While waiting for the water to reach boiling point, take your raw almonds and place them in a bowl that's safe for heat.

As soon as the water is boiling, take the pot off the heat and carefully pour the hot water over the almonds in the bowl. Allow this to sit for about 2 minutes.

Then, using a strainer, drain the almonds and put them back into the bowl. Cover them with cold water and let them soak for 5 to 6 hours. You'll know they're ready when the almond peels come off easily.

After the soaking, lay them out on paper towels for a couple of hours to dry.

Now, onto creating the almond flour and almond meal: Take the blanched and dried almonds (or your raw almonds if not blanching) and place them in a food processor.

Blend them for around 5 to 7 minutes, making sure to pause every now and then to push the nuts around with a spatula. Eventually, you'll see the nuts transforming into a fine flour-like consistency.

Once you've achieved this texture, carefully remove the almond flour from the food processor and transfer it into an airtight jar.

Your homemade almond flour and almond meal are now ready to be used in your gluten-free recipes. Enjoy the nutty goodness in your cooking and baking adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Flour And Almond Meal:

Can I substitute almond flour for ground almonds?

Yes, almond flour can be substituted for ground almonds in certain recipes. However, almond flour is typically finer than ground almonds which likely makes almond meal a better substitute.  It is important to note that if subbing ingredients the outcome of the recipe may be a bit different. 

Can I substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour?

While almond flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour in some recipes, it’s important to note that they have different properties and adjustments might need to be made. Almond flour holds more moisture, so if your recipe is seeming fairly wet, add a bit more to compensate.

What Is The Best Substitute For Almond Flour?

There are many options that you can use instead of almond flour. You could try cashew flour, hazelnut flour, tigernut flour, or other types of nut flours. Just be wary of coconut flour as it has completely different baking properties and cannot be subbed 1:1.

Can You Use Almond Meal Instead Of Almond Flour In Macaroons?

You could, but the coarser texture of almond meal will result in a grainier macaroon that isn’t as light or fluffy.

Want To Bake Using Almond Flour Or Almond Meal? Try These Almond Flour Recipes:

• Perfect Gluten-Free Blondies
• Gluten-Free Keto Cinnamon Swirl Protein Muffins
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
• 30 GF DF Dessert Recipes

Thanks for reading this article on almond meal vs almond flour and how to make them from scratch!