How to Substitute Flours (Published 2020) (2024)

FAQs

Is flour from 2020 still good? ›

Long story short, yes. If your flour is really expired, the molecular structure of the powder changes and can potentially produce harmful compounds. But like many other foods, flour will remain good long past its "best by" or "better if used by" date that can be found on the original container.

You can use all-purpose flour as a 1:1 substitute for bread flour and vice-versa. For example, for 1 cup of bread flour, you can use 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Bread and pizza crust made with all-purpose flour may have a little less chew than those made with bread flour, but the results will still be good.

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.

Almond flour can be substituted for regular flour at a 1:1 ratio. It is important to note that almond flour may require more egg to bind the flour. Check out our almond flour recipe book here for more information on a specific recipe!

Refined Flour

Wheat-based refined flours usually can be used past the expiration date (up to a year at your house), especially if it's been stored in a cool, dry place. 2 You'll want to be careful about self-rising flour, though, as the baking powder that's mixed into the flour can lose its effectiveness over time.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), expiration dates do not constitute safety. Expired flour can be safe to use if the flour is still good. However, flour does go bad, which you can determine from smell and appearance.

Composting or Trash

Or learn if your town has a food scrap/compost collection program curbside or at your transfer station by contact your local recycling coordinator. If composting is not an option, it goes in the trash.

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.

To sum up, Italian flours allow the cook to choose both the composition (gluten or protein content) and how finely ground the flour is. Italian flour grades are simply more specialized, thereby providing the cook with more choice!

Does flour go bad? ›

The finished product has a minimal amount of oils left over from the grain, which means it has a seriously long shelf life. The USDA estimates that an unopened bag of flour can sit in the pantry for up to a year after purchase, with opened bags lasting up to eight months.

Bread flour is hands down the best option when making cinnamon rolls. Any good cinnamon rolls recipe is going to usually call for bread flour instead of other kinds of flour. This is because bread flour is high in protein, usually containing 11% to 13% more protein than other kinds of flour.

Pastry flour has less gluten than all-purpose flour, making it a great choice if you're making pie crust, muffins, and cake.

1 cup all-purpose flour = 1/4-1/3 cup coconut flour. Coconut flour can be baked at the same temperature as other recipes, no need for adjustment. The best ratio is 3:1 almond flour to coconut flour. This low carb flour substitution closely mirrors all-purpose flour without the need for additional eggs.

By combining different types of flour, you can create a blend that enhances the flavor and texture of your baked goods. For example, using a blend of cake flour and all-purpose flour can create a lighter, fluffier texture in cakes. Alternatively, using bread flour in your blend can create a chewier texture in breads.

Substituting Plain Flour in Your Recipes

For each cup of all-purpose flour, simply use one cup of plain flour. Keep in mind that plain flour in the UK has a slightly lower protein content, which may affect the texture of your final baked goods.