Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Almond Meal Substitutes

Are you wondering what almond meal is, and what its best substitutes are? You are in the right place.

As an alternative to traditional wheat-based flours, almond meal is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after ingredients.

In this article, we will explore the top 5 ingredient alternatives to traditional almond meal.

So keep reading to learn more.

What’s Almond Meal?

Almond meal is a finely ground product made from almonds that has various baking, cooking and culinary uses.

It can also be used as a healthy alternative to flour when other grain-based flours are not tolerated by individuals who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.

Almond meal is different from almond flour which is made from blanched and very finely ground almonds.

Almond meal contains the nuts’ moist, fibrous outer skins and almond flour does not.

This makes it slightly more flavorful than almond flour as well as adding texture to some recipes.

When using almond meal, it’s important to keep in mind that even if the directions call for certain measurement of a certain kind of almond meal – like sifted almond meal – there could always be some variation depending on the type of equipment or brand being used.

To ensure consistent results when baking with almond meal:

• Be sure to measure it properly; use a dry measuring cup for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cup for wet ingredients when making a recipe with almond meal.
• Sift the almond meal if desired; this will help remove any clumps and achieve better results in many recipes.
• Check your mixture regularly; try to make sure all liquid ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into the batter before adding other dry ingredients such as sugar, salt or spices.
• And most importantly – be sure to test your baked goods. This will help determine if you need to add more nuts or make other changes if desired.

5 Best Almond Meal Substitutes to Consider

If you’re out of almond meal or cannot use it for whatever reason, you’ll be glad to know that there are several alternatives that can be used in its place.

Below are five of the best almond meal substitutes to consider.

1 – Ground Cashews

Ground cashews are a great option when you want to substitute almond meal in a recipe.

Cashews are naturally softer than almonds and they offer a pleasant nuttiness with a subtle sweetness.

Ground cashews are great for baking and can also be used to make sauces, dips, or as a topping for other dishes.

To use ground cashews instead of almond meal, use one cup of ground cashews to replace one cup of almond meal.

Keep in mind that the final product may be slightly sweeter than if you had used almond meal instead.

2 – Wheat Flour

Wheat flour is a great substitute for almond meal.

It has a similar texture to almond flour and can easily be used in baking and other recipes that call for almond meal.

Wheat flour is gluten-free, so it is a good option for those who have gluten sensitivities or allergies.

You can also find gluten-free varieties of wheat flour if you’re looking for a more allergy-friendly option.

Keep in mind that wheat flour doesn’t have the same nutritional content as almond meal, so you may need to adjust your recipes accordingly.

3 – Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is made from the fiber of ground coconut meat.

Though it doesn’t provide the same texture, taste, or nutritional value as almond meal, it is a great way to get some protein and dietary fiber into your recipes.

It also has a mild sweetness which some people find appealing in place of almond meal.

Coconut flour should be used sparingly due to its high concentration of carbohydrates and slightly bitter aftertaste.

When using it as a substitute for almond meal, you generally only need to use half the amount in your recipe or try combining it with one of the other substitutes for better results.

4 – Ground Linseeds (Flax)

Ground linseeds, commonly known as flax, are one of the best substitutes for almond meal.

Unlike almond meal, ground flax is a type of seed, which means it is naturally gluten-free.

Flax has an earthy flavor and makes a great substitution for almond meal or flour in baking recipes.

Ground flax does not provide the same moisture content or texture as almond meal; therefore, it is advisable to replace only part of the total amount of almond flour/meal with ground linseeds when making baked goods.

Additionally, ground flaxseed is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

Be sure to purchase certified gluten-free and allergy free products, if needed.

5 – Oat Flour

Oat flour is a popular alternative to almond meal.

It does not have the same nutritional benefits as almond meal, but it is gluten-free and a great filler for baking recipes.

Oat flour has an earthy sweetness and can be used in place of almond meal in recipes such as granolas, muffins, and pancakes.

It has the same creamy texture as almond meal and can be used 1:1, although it may require some additional liquid such as milk or water depending on the recipe.

When substituting oat flour for almond meal always use certified gluten-free oat flour to ensure your finished product will have the desired texture.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding an almond meal substitute, there are several products to choose from.

Coconut and oat flours can provide a similar flavor and texture, while nut and seed flours offer excellent sources of nutrition.

For baking, wheat flour offers the closest options in terms of taste, texture and nutrition.

Additionally, other dried fruits such as walnuts can be ground up to create a delicious alternative that still offers all the benefits of the original almond meal.

No matter which alternative you choose, it’s important to remember that they won’t provide the same nutrient composition as almond meal due to differences in oil content, minerals and proteins.

Therefore, make sure to read nutrition labels closely when searching for an alternative for your recipe.

After all, what matters most is that you can enjoy delicious treats without compromising on flavour or nutrition.