SaurabhWhole wheat flour contains the whole wheat kennel. It is higher in fiber as well as overall nutrition. You will need to use this type of flour for dishes that should have a thick texture and that will be denser.
However, if your recipe requires whole wheat flour and you don’t have it, there are other types of flour you can use and we will address them all in this guide.
Among the best substitutes for whole wheat flour, you will find all-purpose flour, graham flower but also rice and soy flour, and many others that you can use in your recipes.
Let’s take a closer look at each substitute and find the right one for your recipe!
Best Substitutes For Whole Wheat Flour
All of the following substitutes will be a good replacement for whole wheat flour but the results might not be the same. Also, keep in mind that the color of your flour will change the color of your dough and therefore, your dish will look different.
1. All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is called this way because it can substitute almost any type of flour, including whole wheat flour. If you use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour, you will end up with a dough that is more fluffy and less dense, but it will still be a good result.
All-purpose flour is very easy to find so you don’t have to worry about availability. You can increase the density by mixing 1/4 cup of wheat germs with 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
2. White flour
White flour can also be a substitute for whole wheat flour. However, your dough will be much softer.
There are brands of white flour that are known as all-purpose flour but we can’t equalize both as there are different brands of all-purpose flour that are slightly different than plain, white flour.
You can use this four in pastry, cookies, cakes, and even bread, in the same ratio that you would use whole wheat flour.
3. Graham flour
Graham flour can substitute whole wheat flour in all recipes, especially in different types of bread. This flour contains gluten as it is made of wheat, even if there is a faulty belief that it doesn’t because it comes in a darker color.
Graham flour will alter the way your final dish looks due to its brownish shade. However, the taste will remain fairly the same. You can use it in the same ratio as you would use whole wheat flour.
4. Rice flour
Rice flour can be a great gluten-free alternative to whole wheat flour but it is important to use it in the right dishes.
This flour can go great in some cookies and baked recipes but it is not going to be suitable for bread or cakes as it is way too fluffy and it retains water a lot more than regular flour.
This flour makes a great option for pancakes and different noodles and it can be used as a thickening agent in sauces or stews.
5. Amaranth flour
Amaranth flour can be used instead of whole wheat flour. However, you will have to mix one part of this substitute with three or four parts of other types of grain flour to obtain a great replacement.
This flour is high in fiber and protein. It is also gluten-free which is why you might need to mix it with grain flour to use it how you want in all your baked dishes.
6. Arrowroot flour
Arrowroot flour is low in protein but high in carbohydrates. However, it can replace whole wheat flour in several dishes. It might not be as nutritious as wheat flour but it can make for a tasty dish. It is also very flexible for baked recipes.
This alternative is great for biscuits and cookies but you can use it in baked dishes as well. Note that this flour will not mix well with dairy products so use it in differentt recipes that don’t require such ingredients.
7. Barley flour
If you want a nutty-flavored substitute for whole wheat flour, barley flour might be your great option. You can use this flour for making different types of bread but also cookies and other baked dishes.
Maintain the same ratio with regular whole wheat flour and cook it in the same manner as whole wheat flour. Barley flour is quite similar to whole wheat flour and you might not have to later any of the other ingredients in your recipe.
8. Buckwheat flour
Buckwheat flour is a substitute for whole wheat flour that can boost your immune system and help you get a tasty dish at the same time.
Use this flour in the same amount that you would use whole wheat flour. And you will be impressed by the results. This flour can be used for cakes and bread as well as noodles, pasta, and pancakes.
9. Coconut flour
Coconut flour is a gluten-free type of flour that can offer you delicious dishes when you use it instead of whole wheat flour. It is rich in fiber and easy to cook with a coconut flavor to it that many people love.
When you use coconut flour for baking you might have to double the number of eggs in your recipe. The best way to use coconut flour is in pancakes and different cookies, especially those that you want to have a coconut flavor.
10. Oat flour
Oats are some of the most nutritious types of cereal and the flour made of this ingredient is just as good. You can use it to make different baked dishes and pancakes and you will enjoy the final result.
However, note that the taste will be a bit different and the texture will be less dense than if you use whole wheat flour. Adding 1/4 cup of wheat germs to 3/4 cup of oat flour could make your dough denser if you want that type of texture.
11. Millet flour
You might be surprised to find out that you can use millet flour instead of whole wheat flour but this can actually be one of the healthiest substitutes.
You can use millet flour for waffles, different types of bread, and even cookies but keep in mind that it absorbs water a lot faster. So, you shouldn’t store it too long as it can get bad quickly.
Use millet flour in the same ratio as you would use whole wheat flour and you will not regret it. Your dish might turn a slightly yellow color but the taste shouldn’t be much different.
12. Spelt flour
The last whole wheat flour substitute on this list is spelt flour. This substitute could also be a healthier option since it is highly nutritious and it lowers the bad cholesterol in the body.
Use it in the same recipes that call for whole wheat flour and you can maintain the same ratio as well. The taste will not differ much but the texture might be slightly softer and fluffier.
FAQs
Can you use flour instead of whole wheat flour?
You can use almost any type of wheat flour instead of whole wheat flour and several types of flour that are not made of wheat.
Just keep in mind that your dish might have a different color and consistency, depending on the flour you use. It is also important to consider the taste of the flour and the gluten amount if any, every time you look for a substitute for whole wheat flour.
This will give you a fair idea about the way your dish will turn out.
Is whole wheat the same as plain flour?
Whole wheat flour is not the same as plain flour.
Plain flour is white flour and sometimes it is referred to as all-purpose flour. White flour or plain flour is much more refined and a lot more processed than whole wheat flour.
Plain flour is also whiter in color compared to whole wheat flour. However, this will not alter the final aspect of your dish in a drastic manner.
Last Tips
As popular as whole wheat flour is, there are still plenty of substitutes you can use to make sure you end up with a great baked dish.
Pick one of the substitutes in our list and you might even prefer it to the whole wheat flour once you see how tasty your dessert will turn out.
