Spelt Flour Substitutes: 9 Alternatives You Need to Try

❓ What is Spelt Flour?

Spelt flour is a type of flour derived from the ancient grain known as spelt. It is often considered an alternative to regular whole wheat flour due to its unique characteristics. Spelt flour has a nutty flavor and a slightly sweeter taste compared to regular flour.

It also has a higher protein content and is easier to digest for some individuals with mild wheat sensitivities. While spelt flour contains gluten, it has a different gluten structure than modern wheat, making it more tolerable for some people.

It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods, including bread, cookies, cakes, and pastries. It can also be used as a thickening agent in sauces and gravies. In addition to being used as a flour substitute, spelt can also be found in pasta, cereals, and other packaged foods.

💭 Reasons for Seeking Spelt Flour Substitutes

There might be various reasons to look for spelt flour substitutes. I will cover two primary reasons why you might want to consider substitutions - allergies and availability concerns.

1. Allergies and dietary restrictions - Some of the most common spelt flour substitutes for gluten sensitivity and celiac patients include rice flour, amaranth flour, tapioca flour, and corn flour. Non-grain options like almond and coconut flour are flavorful substitutes for spelt flour in baking.
2. Availability and accessibility concerns - While spelt flour is generally easy to find, some areas may face availability issues. Wheat, einkorn, oat bran, kamut, barley, white rice, and brown rice flour are suitable spelt substitutes. A simple whole-grain or white and whole-grain flour blend can be used as an easy substitute if other specialty options are unavailable.

📑 9 Best Spelt Flour Substitutes, including 4 Gluten-Free Options

Whether you're looking to cater to dietary restrictions or want to add variety to your baking, these substitutes offer unique flavors and textures that will elevate your recipes.

1. Wheat Flour

Wheat flour is the most common flour substitute for spelt flour, with similar properties that make it an easy swap. Both spelt and wheat flour come from the same family of grains (Triticum genus), and this is where they share the most similarities.

It can be used like spelt flour and is perfect for making bread, cakes, and cookies. Wheat flour also has a higher gluten content than spelt flour, so it's great for creating a dough that's easily kneaded and holds its shape. It is easy to find in grocery stores and is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent substitute to have on hand.

2. Einkorn Flour

Einkorn flour is another good option if you're looking to replace spelt flour. It has a slightly nutty taste and a texture that's quite similar to spelt, but it contains less gluten. Like spelt, einkorn is an ancient grain that has been around for thousands of years.

It's a great source of protein and fiber and has a higher mineral content than modern wheat. Einkorn flour can be used in recipes like spelt flour and is great for making bread, pistachio muffins, and banana pancakes. However, it’s a bit harder to find in grocery stores and can be a bit more on the expensive side.

3. Oat Bran Flour

Oat bran flour is another alternative to spelt flour that you should have in your kitchen. It's a heart-healthy option that's high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and omega-3s. It has a nutty and slightly earthy taste, which works beautifully in recipes that require a similar flavor profile.

It's perfect for dense cakes, banana bread, and pie crusts and can also be used to add a nutty flavor to your homemade granola or oatmeal. Oat flour is readily available in stores that focus on natural products, and you can also purchase it online if you can't find it nearby.

4. Kamut Flour

Kamut flour and spelt flour are ancient grains that were cultivated thousands of years ago, predating even wheat. It, also known as Khorasan wheat, is a non-hybridized ancient wheat with a nutty flavor, similar to spelt flour. It's a great source of protein and can be used as a substitute for spelt flour in baking recipes, as it also contains gluten.

You can substitute Kamut flour for spelt flour in any recipe at 1:1. Kamut flour has a coarse texture and a delicious, buttery flavor, making it perfect for rustic breads and hearty dishes that call for its bold taste to be showcased.

5. Barley Flour

Barley flour is another ancient grain, just like spelt and kamut flour. It has a nutty flavor and a similar texture to spelt flour, albeit slightly denser. Barley flour also contains gluten, making it an excellent substitute for spelt flour. It is high in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals such as iron and selenium.

Barley flour can be used as a substitute for spelt flour in a 1:1 ratio in any recipe. Nonetheless, as barley flour absorbs more liquid than spelt flour, adjusting the amount of liquid in your recipe is necessary. You can use it in any recipe that calls for spelt flour, from bread to muffins and cakes.

🌾 Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives

6. Almond Flour

Both spelt flour and almond flour have a nutty flavor, making them a great substitute for each other in many recipes. When using almond flour as a spelt flour substitute, you'll need to use less liquid in your recipe, as almond flour absorbs more moisture than spelt flour.

Since almond flour doesn’t contain gluten, you’ll need to add extra binding agents like eggs or xanthan gum to ensure that your recipe holds together properly. It is perfect for making gluten-free cookies, cakes, and bread.

7. Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is another popular gluten-free substitute for spelt flour. It has a subtle coconut flavor and a light, fluffy texture that works well in a variety of baked goods.

When using coconut flour as a spelt flour substitute, you'll need to use much less flour than spelt flour. It is much more absorbent and can easily create a dry, crumbly texture if too much is used. Adding extra eggs or a binding agent is important to ensure the texture is not too dry.

8. Amaranth Flour

Amaranth flour is made from the seeds of the amaranth plant, and it has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. In terms of texture, amaranth flour is similar to spelt flour in that it has a slightly chewy, hearty feel.

To use amaranth flour as a substitute for spelt flour, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, amaranth flour is denser than spelt flour. You might need to change the amount of liquid in your recipe to make it work. Also, amaranth flour tastes a bit sweeter than spelt flour, so you might also want to use less sugar in your recipe.

9. Rice Flour

Rice flour is made by grinding rice. It has a very fine and silky texture, which makes it suitable for many different recipes. Like amaranth flour, rice flour has a slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the overall flavor of your dish.

When using brown or white rice flour as a substitute for spelt flour, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Since rice flour is so fine, it can produce a crumbly texture in some recipes. To avoid this, you may want to consider using a blend of rice flour and another gluten-free flour, such as tapioca flour or potato starch.

📖 Wrap Up: Spelt Flour Substitutes

• This article provides a comprehensive guide to nine spelt flour substitutes, offering a range of alternatives for individuals with dietary restrictions or those seeking variety in their baking.
• The substitutes discussed include gluten-free options and ingredients that enhance flavor and texture, allowing for versatile and delicious recipes.
• Overcoming availability challenges, the substitutes ensure that you can still create delectable treats even when spelt flour is not readily accessible.
• Tips for successful spelt flour substitutions include adjusting for consistency, considering flavor profiles, making texture adjustments, and modifying recipes to optimize results.