What's The Best Chickpea Flour Substitute? 11 Options

What Is Chickpea Flour?

Chickpea flour also called as besan, gram, or garbanzo bean flour is made from ground up chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. It's a popular ingredient in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and it's starting to become more mainstream in Western cooking.

Chickpea flour is gluten-free, high in protein and fiber, and has a nutty flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be used as flour for baking, or as a thickener for soups and sauces. Chickpea flour is also sometimes called besan or gram flour. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, try chickpea flour - you might be surprised by how versatile it is!

But what if you don't have access to any chickpea flour?

Trying to find a good chickpea flour substitute can be really tough. 

Most people don't have the time or energy to experiment with different types of flours in order to find the perfect one for their needs.

We've tried 11 different types of chickpea flour substitutes so that you don't have to. From Fava bean flour to Cassava flour, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start experimenting and find the perfect chickpea flour substitute for you today!

List Best 11 Most Related Substitutes For Chickpea Flour

1. Fava Bean Flour

As any baker knows, flour is a key ingredient in many recipes. It provides structure and helps to bind other ingredients together. However, not all flours are created equal. Chickpea flour, for example, is a type of flour made from ground chickpeas. It has a high protein content and is often used in gluten-free baking. Fava bean flour, on the other hand, is made from ground fava beans. It has a similar protein content to chickpea flour but is lower in calories and carbohydrates. As a result, it can be a great alternative for those looking to reduce their intake of carbs or calories.

• Use equal amounts of fava bean flour and water to make a slurry. This will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent them from drying out.
• Add extra liquid to the recipe to compensate for the lack of moisture in the fava bean flour. This will help to keep the finished product moist and delicious.
• Use a smaller amount of fava bean flour than you would chickpea flour. Due to its high protein content, fava bean flour can make baked goods.

2. Oat Flour 

Oat flour is an excellent substitute for chickpea flour in any recipe. Here are some tips for using oat flour in place of chickpea flour:

• For every cup of chickpea flour, substitute 1 cup of oat flour.
• Oat flour is heavier than chickpea flour, so you may need to add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of liquid to your recipe.
• Oat flour will add a bit of a nutty flavor to your recipe, so if you are looking for a more neutral flavor, try using rice flour instead.

3. Millet Flour

Millet flour is a great gluten-free alternative to chickpea flour, and can be used in a variety of recipes.

• Millet flour can be used in place of chickpea flour in most recipes. Simply use the same amount of millet flour as you would chickpea flour.
• Millet flour tends to be slightly sweeter than chickpea flour, so you may want to reduce the sugar in your recipe if you are using millet flour.
• Millet flour can be used to make gluten-free breads, cakes, and cookies. It can also be used as a thickener for soups and sauces.
• When storing millet flour, be sure to keep it in an airtight container. Millet flour can go bad quickly if it is exposed to moisture or humidity.

4. Quinoa Flour

Quinoa flour is a wonderful gluten-free substitute for chickpea flour. It has a nutty flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. You can use it in flatbreads, pancakes, muffins, and more.

• Quinoa flour can be substituted for chickpea flour in most recipes. Simply use the same amount of quinoa flour as you would chickpea flour.
• When using quinoa flour in baked goods, you may need to add an extra egg or two to help the batter bind together.
• Quinoa flour tends to absorb liquid quickly, so add wet ingredients slowly and mix until well combined.
• Baked goods made with quinoa flour will have a slightly denser texture than those made with wheat flour. This is perfectly normal!

5. Almond Flour

Substitute chickpea flour with almond flour for those with gluten sensitivities or who are following a Paleo diet. Made from ground almonds, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

• When baking with almond flour, adding extra moisture in the form of eggs, oil, or nut butter is important. This will help to prevent the baked goods from becoming too dry.
• Almond flour can be used as a 1:1 substitute for chickpea flour in most recipes. However, you may need to experiment with the proportions a bit to get the desired results.
• Add a teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour to improve the rise and structure of baked goods made with almond flour. 
• Almond flour can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life.

6. Cassava Flour

Cassava flour is a great substitute for chickpea flour. It has a similar taste and texture, and it's also gluten-free. Plus, it's easy to find cassava flour in most supermarkets.

• When measuring by volume, use a 1:1 ratio of cassava flour to chickpea flour.
• If you substitute cassava flour for chickpea flour in a recipe that calls for eggs, you may need to add an extra egg to help bind the ingredients together.
• Cassava flour tends to absorb more liquid than other types of flour, so you may need to add a bit more liquid to your recipe when using it.
• Finally, don't forget to sift the cassava flour before using it, just as you would with any other type of flour. This will help to ensure that your baked goods are light and fluffy.

7. Brown Rice Flour

Brown rice flour is a great alternative to chickpea flour for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. It has a slightly nutty flavor and can be used in place of wheat flour in many recipes. Here are some tips for using brown rice flour:

• When baking with brown rice flour, use a ratio of 1:1 with chickpea flour.
• Brown rice flour is denser than chickpea flour, so you may need to add more liquid to your recipe. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of water or milk for every 1 cup of flour.
• Brown rice flour can be used to make pancakes, waffles, quick breads, and cookies. It can also be used as a coating for fried foods.

8. Buckwheat Flour

Looking for a gluten-free flour alternative that is high in fiber and protein? Buckwheat flour may be the perfect solution! It is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Buckwheat flour can be used as a 1:1 replacement for chickpea flour in many recipes.

• Buckwheat flour tends to be denser than other gluten-free flours, so adding extra liquid to your recipes is important.
• Be sure to sift the flour before using it, as it can be quite clumpy.
• Buckwheat flour has a strong flavor, so it is best used in savory dishes rather than sweet ones.

9. Wheat Flour

Wheat flour is a great substitute for chickpea flour.

• When using wheat flour as a substitute for chickpea flour, use a 1:1 ratio.
• Wheat flour is not as absorbent as chickpea flour, so you may need to add more liquid to your recipe.
• If you're making a savory dish, consider adding some additional spices or herbs to compensate for the loss of flavor that comes with using wheat flour instead of chickpea flour.

10. Amaranth Flour

If you're looking for a gluten-free flour option that is high in protein and fiber, then replace chickpea flour with amaranth flour. This nutrient-rich flour can be used in a variety of recipes, from pancakes to pasta.

• When using amaranth flour in place of chickpea flour, use a 1:1 ratio.
• Amaranth flour can be combined with other gluten-free flours to create a custom blend.
• This flour tends to absorb more liquid than other gluten-free flours, so you may need to add additional liquid to your recipe.
• Amaranth flour can be used as a binding agent in recipes such as veggie burgers or meatballs.

11. Spelt Flour

Spelt flour is a great alternative to chickpea flour and can be used in many of the same ways.

• When baking, use about ¼ cup less spelt flour than you would chickpea flour.
• It is denser than chickpea flour, so it may not rise as much. You can add an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder per cup of spelt flour to help with this.
• It has a nutty flavor that goes well with savory dishes like veggie burgers or pancakes. If you're using it in a sweet recipe, add a little extra sugar or spice to balance the flavor.
• Because spelt flour is denser than chickpea flour, it's best to sift it before using. This will help to prevent your baked goods from turning out dense and heavy.