Best Gluten Free Flour
Best Gluten Free Flour
You’re just where I was a few years ago, scouring the internet for the right information on gluten free products. Wondering why this “gluten” thing is such an issue in the United States.
What is Gluten, Anyways?
Firstly, did you know that “gluten” isn’t actually the problem? I didn’t know that. But that’s what we are all told, that we are “gluten” free. Gluten is the structure that develops in a dough while it rises and becomes stretchy and elastic. That natural process doesn’t seem like it would be the source of our gluten free issues.
Best Gluten Free Flours
Okay, on to the best gluten free flour that you’re here for. Well, in my opinion, the best gluten free flour is a flour that our ancestors used. Flour that has not been overly processed or pumped full of chemicals. Where do we get these flours you might ask? Imported from other countries that don’t do what the United States does. Other countries have much higher requirements for their food processing, so in general, they are produced at a higher standard than products produced in America.
I have only been able to find imported flour online, I don’t usually find it in any local grocery stores.
I’ve tried a couple of imported flours, and I’ve linked my favorites!
You’ve heard this all before, but *I may earn commission on affiliate links*
Polselli Double Zero Imported Italian flour
This flour is amazing. It’s become my go-to to make pizza in our Gozney pizza oven, cinnamon rolls, and baked breads. I use it for everything.
Caputo Double Zero Imported Italian Flour
There are other Caputo flours, and not all of them may be imported, so always look at the package and see if there’s a “Made in Italy” on it.
Jovial Organic Einkorn Flour
This is not an imported flour, it is manufactured in the US, but Einkorn is an ancient grain, not altered by any GMOs. Einkorn absorbs water at a different rate, so you have to find specific recipes. I found my favorite banana bread recipe using Einkorn so I always keep it on hand!
Spelted or Sprouted
I have not had much experience with Sprouted flour, but I have tried Sprouted bread, and have not had any reaction. I am hoping to start trying it and using it more soon.
There are also potentially some benefits related to Non-GMO or Organic food items. I am able to eat Cliff Bars, but they are made with organic whole oats.
What are the Benefits of Imported Flour?
Well, you guessed it, these imported flours will act like normal flour! While they will likely be more expensive than the bleached white flour you get at the grocery store, they can often be much cheaper than the increasingly expensive 1-1 gluten free flours (rice, tapioca, potato flour mixtures). I have no qualm with gluten free flours but they can be a challenge to cook and bake with.
And those of us who are gluten free know that we have to make all those tasty goodies we see that we can’t buy at stores! I remember trying to use a gluten free flour to make soft pretzels and my own licorice, and the pretzels fully disintegrated before cooking, and the licorice was a puddle of goop.
Where to Find Gluten Free Imported Food
Are there other imported foods you can purchase and eat from the grocery store? YES! I keep discovering more and more products that are made in other countries. The most recent discovery is pasta. I have found so many boxes of pasta that are made in Italy at Kroger/Smiths, and there’s a six pack of pasta at Costco that’s made in Italy.
I’ve found many random treats that are imported, just look at the packaging! Home Goods has imported pasta and other treats. I found Stroopwafels at Costco once, and I have an Asian grocery store where the majority of the food is imported, made in China, Korea, or Taiwan. This is the best place to buy rice noodles! The same thing would apply to a Mexican grocery store.
Trust Your Own Body
Now, I will be honest with you, I am gluten intolerant. I do not have celiac. My opinions are based on my trials of trying the products I share with you. If you are celiac, please do your own research and try at your own risk. Start small, be your own voice of reason. And please don’t blame me.
The reason I’m passionate about sharing this information? I wish someone was there to tell me about this. The thought had not even crossed my mind. Yes, I was able to eat bread in Europe, but being able to purchase that in the States? It started in 2022 when I visited friends in Minneapolis taking me to a small bakery that baked with all imported flour. It was one of the best days of my life, eating so many fun treats and breads. I thought, “Well if they can import flour, why can’t I?”
Other Imported Gluten Free Products
Take a look at my other posts to see what other products I’ve discovered. What amazing gluten free food have you found at your grocery store?