The 15 Best Substitutes For Coconut Flour

Do you love the taste of coconut flour but hate how expensive it can be?

If so, you’re not alone! Coconut flour is a great ingredient for baking and cooking, but it can be hard to find in stores.

Fortunately, there are plenty of substitutes that you can use if you don’t have access to coconut flour.

From almond flour to oat flour and more, here are 15 of the best alternatives for coconut flour.

What is Coconut Flour?

Coconut flour is a gluten-free, grain-free alternative to traditional wheat flours.

It is made from dried coconut meat that has been ground into a fine powder.

Coconut flour has a mild, sweet flavor and can be used in baking recipes as an alternative to wheat or other grain flours.

Coconut flour absorbs more liquid than regular wheat flour, so it’s important to adjust the amount of liquid when substituting it for other types of flours in recipes.

Generally speaking, you should use about one-third less coconut flour than you would regular wheat flour and add an additional egg or two per cup of coconut flour used.

This helps create a lighter texture in baked goods like cakes and muffins.

Coconut flour also works well as a thickener for sauces and soups due to its high fiber content; just remember that it will absorb more liquid than regular wheat flours so you may need to add extra water or broth if using it as a thickener.

Additionally, because of its high fiber content, coconut flour can help give baked goods structure without adding too much fat or sugar which makes it ideal for low-fat baking recipes such as cookies and brownies.

The 15 Best Substitutes For Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a nutritious and gluten-free ingredient, but it can be hard to find in some places.

If you’re looking for an alternative, here are fifteen substitutes that will still give you the same benefits:

1 – Cassava Flour

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Cassava flour is a gluten-free, grain-free flour made from the root of the cassava plant.

It has a mild flavor and can be used as an alternative to wheat or other grain flours in baking recipes.

Cassava flour is high in fiber and resistant starch, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their intake of these important nutrients.

It also contains more protein than coconut flour, which makes it ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets.

Additionally, cassava flour has a neutral taste that won’t overpower your recipes like some other flours can.

Read Also: 15 Best Cassava Cake Toppings: Find Your Cassava Topping

Pro Tip: Cassava flour works best when combined with other gluten-free flours such as almond or coconut flour in order to achieve the desired texture and consistency in baked goods!

2 – Almond Flour

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Almond flour is a gluten-free, low-carb alternative to traditional wheat flour.

It’s made from ground almonds and has a slightly sweet nutty flavor.

Almond flour is high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

Almond flour can be used as a substitute for coconut flour in many recipes such as pancakes, muffins and cakes.

It can also be used to make breads or crackers with an almond flavor.

When baking with almond flour it’s important to remember that it absorbs more liquid than other flours so you may need to add extra liquid or eggs when substituting almond flour for coconut flour in recipes.

3 – Arrowroot Flour

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Arrowroot flour is a starch derived from the rhizomes of several tropical plants.

It has a mild flavor and is often used as a thickener for sauces, soups, and puddings.

It can also be used to replace wheat flour in baking recipes.

Arrowroot flour has many advantages over other flours: it’s gluten-free, low in calories, high in fiber, and contains no sugar or fat.

It’s also easy to digest and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Pro Tip: Arrowroot flour works best when combined with other flours like almond or coconut flour. This combination helps create light and fluffy baked goods that are still moist on the inside!

4 – Hazelnut Flour

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Hazelnut flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

It is made from ground hazelnuts, which are high in protein and fiber, as well as healthy fats.

Hazelnut flour has a mild nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet or savory dishes.

Hazelnut flour can be used in place of coconut flour for baking recipes such as cakes, muffins, pancakes and cookies.

It can also be used to thicken sauces and soups or added to smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition.

The texture of the finished product may vary slightly when using hazelnut flour instead of coconut flour, but the taste will remain similar.

5 – Rice Flour

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Rice flour is a finely ground powder made from either white or brown rice.

It has a mild flavor and can be used as an alternative to wheat flour in baking recipes.

Rice flour is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Rice flour is often used to make noodles, dumplings, and other dishes that require a light texture.

It can also be used as a thickener for sauces and soups, or as an ingredient in batters for fried foods like tempura.

Pro Tip: When substituting rice flour for wheat flour in baking recipes, use 1/4 cup of rice flour for every 1 cup of wheat flour called for in the recipe. This will help ensure your baked goods turn out light and fluffy!

6 – Tapioca flour

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Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, is a gluten-free flour made from the cassava root.

It has a mild flavor and can be used to thicken sauces or soups, make baked goods like cakes and cookies, or even as an alternative to cornstarch for coating fried foods.

Tapioca flour has a light texture and absorbs liquid quickly.

This makes it ideal for baking recipes that require a light texture such as pancakes or waffles.

It’s also great for thickening sauces and gravies without adding any additional flavor.

Pro Tip: When substituting tapioca flour for coconut flour in recipes, use half the amount of coconut flour called for in the recipe since tapioca is more absorbent than coconut flour.

7 – Chickpea flour

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Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan, is a pulse flour made from ground chickpeas.

It is a staple ingredient in Indian and Pakistani cuisines, but has recently become popular in other parts of the world due to its high protein content and gluten-free status.

Chickpea flour has a nutty flavor with earthy undertones.

It can be used as an alternative to wheat flour for baking and cooking purposes.

Its high protein content makes it ideal for vegan dishes such as veggie burgers or falafel.

Chickpea flour can also be used to make pancakes, crepes, omelets, and even pasta!

8 – Soy flour

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Soy flour is a high-protein, gluten-free flour made from ground soybeans.

It is an excellent source of dietary fiber and essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Soy flour can be used in place of wheat flour to make breads, cakes and other baked goods.

Soy flour has a mild nutty flavor that works well in both sweet and savory recipes.

It also adds moisture to baked goods so they stay fresher longer.

Soy flour can be used to replace up to 25% of the wheat or white flours in most recipes for cakes, cookies and muffins without affecting the texture or taste too much.

9 – Flax Meal

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Flax meal, also known as ground flaxseed or flaxseed flour, is made from grinding whole flaxseeds into a fine powder.

It is an excellent source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Flax meal can be used in place of coconut flour in many recipes.

It has a nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet dishes like muffins and pancakes.

Flax meal can also be added to smoothies for a nutritional boost.

Pro Tip: To get the most out of your flax meal, it’s best to buy it pre-ground or grind it yourself just before using it. This will help preserve its nutrients and ensure you get the most benefit from this superfood!

10 – Sunflower seed flour

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Sunflower seed flour is a gluten-free alternative to coconut flour.

It is made from ground sunflower seeds and has a mild, nutty flavor.

Sunflower seed flour can be used in place of traditional wheat flours in many recipes, including breads, cakes, muffins, pancakes and cookies.

Sunflower seed flour is high in protein and fiber and contains healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids.

It also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Sunflower seed flour can help to regulate blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index rating.

Pro Tip: When baking with sunflower seed flour it’s important to remember that it absorbs more liquid than other flours so you may need to add extra liquid or reduce the amount of sunflower seed flour used in your recipe for best results!

11 – Oat Flour

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Oat flour is a whole grain flour made from oats.

It is high in fiber and protein, and has a mild nutty flavor.

Oat flour can be used to make breads, muffins, pancakes, cookies, cakes and other baked goods.

It can also be used as a thickener for sauces and soups.

Oat flour has many health benefits due to its high fiber content which helps promote digestive health and reduce cholesterol levels.

It is also gluten-free so it’s an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

Pro Tip: To make oat flour at home simply grind rolled oats in a food processor until they reach the desired consistency!

12 – Quinoa Flour

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Quinoa flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

It is made from ground quinoa, a grain-like seed that has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Andes Mountains of South America.

Quinoa flour is high in protein and fiber, and it contains all nine essential amino acids.

Quinoa flour can be used as an alternative to wheat flour in many recipes, including breads, muffins, pancakes, cookies and cakes.

It has a mild nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet or savory dishes.

Quinoa flour also adds moisture to baked goods while providing structure and texture.

13 – Potato Flour

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Potato flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour that is made from cooked, dried and ground potatoes.

It has a light texture and mild flavor, making it ideal for baking cakes, muffins and breads.

Potato flour can also be used as a thickener in soups or sauces.

Potato flour has a high starch content which makes it great for binding ingredients together in recipes like pancakes or waffles.

It also helps create light and fluffy baked goods with an airy texture.

Potato flour absorbs moisture well so it’s important to use the right amount when baking; too much will make your recipe dense and heavy.

Pro Tip: When substituting potato flour for coconut flour in recipes, use half the amount of potato flour as you would coconut flour since potato flour is denser than coconut flour!

14 – Amaranth Flour

Amaranth flour is a gluten-free flour made from the amaranth grain.

It has a nutty flavor and is high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium.

Amaranth flour can be used to make breads, pancakes, muffins, cookies, cakes and other baked goods.

Amaranth flour has a slightly sweet taste that works well with both savory and sweet recipes.

Its texture is similar to whole wheat flour but it’s lighter than all-purpose or white flours.

It also absorbs more liquid than other flours so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly when substituting it for coconut flour.

Pro Tip: To get the most out of amaranth flour’s nutritional benefits, try adding some ground chia seeds or hemp hearts for an extra boost of protein!

15 – Sorghum Flour

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Sorghum flour is a gluten-free flour made from the whole grain of sorghum.

It has a mild, nutty flavor and can be used as an alternative to wheat or other grains in baking recipes.

Sorghum flour is high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for those looking to add more whole grains into their diet.

Sorghum flour can be used as a substitute for coconut flour in many recipes.

It has a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.

When substituting sorghum flour for coconut flour, use 1/4 cup of sorghum for every 1/3 cup of coconut flour called for in the recipe.

Additionally, you may need to increase the amount of liquid added to your recipe when using sorghum instead of coconut flour due to its higher absorbency rate.

FAQ

What flour is closest to coconut flour?

Almond flour is one of the most similar ingredients to coconut flour, making it an ideal substitution.

It is made up of ground-blanched almonds that have been skinned and milled down to a fine flour.

Almond flour is high in protein, Vitamin E rich, and is usually gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten allergies.

It has a slightly sweet taste that is reminiscent of coconut flour, making it a great alternative.

Almond flour also has a lighter texture than coconut flour, which makes it easier to work with. It can be used in a variety of recipes for baked goods, pancakes, waffles, and more.

Can regular flour be substituted for coconut flour?

Yes, regular flour can be substituted for coconut flour in certain recipes, but you should keep in mind that coconut flour is much more absorbent than regular flour, so you will need to adjust your measurements accordingly.

For every 1 cup of regular flour, use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of coconut flour and increase the number of eggs in the recipe.

This is just a general guideline, however, and it’s best to follow a coconut flour recipe specifically designed to replace regular flour.

To help you get started, there are plenty of recipes out there that use coconut flour as the main flour, such as pancakes, muffins, breads, and cakes. With a bit of practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to easily substitute coconut flour for regular flour in your favorite recipes.

Can I replace coconut flour with almond flour?

Yes, you can replace coconut flour with almond flour in your recipe.

To do so, it is recommended to replace every 1/4 cup (1 ounce) of coconut flour with at least 1 cup of almond flour.

Additionally, you should decrease the amount of liquid in the recipe by using one less egg for every 1/4 cup of coconut flour that the recipe initially called for.

This is to compensate for the added moisture that almond flour typically contains.

For best results, ensure that the almond flour is finely ground and sift it if necessary before using it in your recipe.

Can Cornstarch be Substituted for Coconut Flour?

Yes, cornstarch can be used as a substitute for coconut flour in recipes.

Cornstarch is a type of carbohydrate extracted from the endosperm of corn, and is commonly used as a thickening agent for both sweet and savory foods.

However, it is important to note that since cornstarch has a much finer texture than coconut flour, it may not provide the same binding power as coconut flour, so you may need to adjust the amount used or consider mixing it with another flour.

Additionally, coconut flour tends to provide more fiber and healthy fats than cornstarch, so if you are using it for health benefits, you may not get the same benefits if you switch to cornstarch.

Can I Substitute Tapioca Flour for Coconut Flour?

Yes, tapioca flour is an excellent and suitable substitute for coconut flour.

It is primarily used as a thickening agent, but it also provides protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients that coconut flour may not.

Tapioca flour is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a gluten-free, grain-free, and low-carbohydrate flour alternative. Additionally, it has a mild flavor and can work as a binder in baking.

Can I use Self-rising Flour Instead of Coconut Flour?

No, self-rising flour is not a suitable substitute for coconut flour.

Self-rising flour and all-purpose flour are often confused, but they have different properties; self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which can produce an undesirable flavor when used in recipes that call for coconut flour.

Additionally, self-rising flour contains gluten, and coconut flour does not, so it cannot be used as a direct substitute.

While it is possible to find recipes that use self-rising flour as a substitute for coconut flour, these are usually very specific recipes and generally should not be used as a direct replacement.

Can I Substitute Arrowroot Flour for Coconut Flour?

Yes, you can substitute arrowroot flour for coconut flour in recipes.

Arrowroot flour is gluten- and grain-free and is derived from the root of a plant called Maranta arundinacea.

It is not as commonly used as other gluten- and grain-free flours, but it works well as a substitute for coconut flour.

When using arrowroot flour as a substitute for coconut flour, you can use a 1:1 ratio in the recipe.

This means if the recipe calls for 1 cup of coconut flour, you can use 1 cup of arrowroot flour instead.

It is important to note that arrowroot flour is more absorbent than coconut flour, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquids used in the recipe accordingly.

Is Coconut Powder the same as Coconut Flour?

No, coconut powder and coconut flour are not the same, as they are made from different parts of the coconut and have different compositions.

Coconut flour is made from the dried pulp of coconut, which has been finely milled and had all of its fats and liquid removed.

In contrast, coconut powder is made from the dried meat of the coconut, which still contains the fat and sugar found in fresh coconuts and can often be used as a substitute for regular milk powder.

Therefore, it is not advisable to substitute one for the other when baking or cooking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coconut flour is a great gluten-free, low-carb alternative to traditional wheat flour.

However, if you don’t have it on hand, there are plenty of other substitutes that can be used.

The best substitutes for coconut flour are cassava flour, almond flour, arrowroot flour, hazelnut flour, rice flour, tapioca flour, chickpea flour, soy flour, flax meal, sunflower seed flour, oat flour, quinoa flour, potato flour, amaranth flour, and sorghum flour.

Each of these flours has its own unique flavor and texture that can enhance the taste and texture of your baking.

So, if you’re ever in a pinch and don’t have coconut flour on hand, reach for one of these replacements and give it a try.