Talking about all-purpose flour substitutes for diabetic patients is a new idea because it has always been the most important ingredient for baking. However, it has been found out that it is not good for health and can have several derogatory effects on our body, such as the occurrence of diabetes since it is a source of concentrated carbohydrates. Thus, if you’re making an attempt to shift to a different diet for the sake of your health or otherwise, and you’re not able to digest foods that have gluten, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll be talking about the best flour substitutes for diabetics that can be used in place of all-purpose flour, entirely or partially. Most of the substitutes are produced from various cereals, nuts, grains, etc. that add nutritional value to your meals but are delicious as well. Are you confused about which alternative you should invest in every time you go grocery shopping? Read along to clarify your doubts and note the best options available.
Also, read: Diabetes Diet
Best Flour Substitutes For Diabetic Patients
Here is the list of 11 flour substitutes for a diabetic patients:
1. Oat Flour
Oats have a positive impact on your digestive health since they contain soluble fibers and contribute to reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. The sugar levels of the body are sustained well and do not increase. The subtle nutty essence of oats makes oat flour a great option for baking cakes, bread, etc. which adds flavor and texture to baked dishes. It is a great cake flour substitute and is gluten-free as well. Impressed already? There are more.
2. Almond Flour
Yet another cake flour substitute, almond flour is one the most common and best flour substitutes of diabetics. It contains Vitamin E, which Is fat-soluble and it’s also an antioxidant that aids the body in fighting off infections and other harmful diseases.
Almond FlourAnother great advantage of almond flour is that it is the perfect ingredient for a lot of healthy diets, like gluten-free, Paleo, and low-carb.
3. Brown Rice Flour
Produced from brown rice, brown rice flour has a textured and nutty flavor. Thus, if you want a smooth version, you would have to invest in finely ground brown rice flour. It is a great rice flour substitute and cake flour substitute that has high fiber content and is gluten-free as well.
4. Chickpea Flour
While talking about cornflour substitute, chickpea flour has to be mentioned, because of its natural density. It has a high concentration of fiber and protein and is derived from dried chickpeas. Foods like pancakes, burgers, tempuras, etc. can be made out of this gluten-free flour substitute for diabetics.
5. Spelt Flour
This cannot be used as an absolute all-purpose flour substitute. It is usually used in a specific proportion. 3 parts of all-purpose flour are mixed with 1 part of spelt flour, which is rich in whole grains and fiber.
Spelt FlourIt has a coarse texture and the intense nutty flavor aids baking goodies like cookies, muffins, etc.
6. Buckwheat Flour
This is one of the best flour substitutes for diabetics, given that it is gluten-free and does not contain any byproducts of wheat. The kernels of buckwheat are pseudocereal, which implies that much like oats, it is not a cereal grain. The flour is dark brown and extremely rich, thereby suitable for bread, muffins, and cookies.
7. Coconut Flour
Since we’re looking for healthier all-purpose flour substitutes, it would be inappropriate to not talk about one of the best flour substitutes for diabetics, coconut flour. It is produced from dried-up coconut and is fine-textured and has a smooth consistency. A baker’s delight for sure. If you follow a particular diet like the Paleo of the Keto diet, coconut flour would work just fine for you, owing to its gluten-free and low-carb nature. It also contains fiber and thus, you should add adequate moisture to whatever you’re baking since moisture aids the holding together of the baked product.
8. Quinoa Flour
The best part about quinoa flour is that it can be prepared at home. You’ve got to toast quinoa first and then blend or process it until the texture becomes fine. It consists of fibers and proteins and is high in amino acid concentration. The texture works perfectly for baking cakes and bread, acting as a cake flour substitute.
9. Cassava Flour
Derived from the yuca root, cassava Flour comes under the best flour substitute for diabetics. The portion of cassava flour used is usually lesser than that of all-purpose flour since it absorbs more water. It is gluten-free and goes well with healthy diets like Paleo.
10. Green Banana Flour
This is made by grounding the flesh and the skin of green bananas, thus, it contains a lesser amount of sugar than the ripe ones. This makes it one of the best flour substitutes for diabetics.
Green Banana FlourIt’s rich in soluble fibers and thus, helps in the digestion process. If you’re worried about the fruity flavor in your food, rest assured, it will go away when you cook it.
11. Millet Flour
This is a good corn flour substitute and is rich in Vitamin B and iron. It is gluten-free and has a neutral flavor. It has a coarse texture and can be used for coating ingredients before frying or baking as well.
Conclusion
Now that there are so many healthier alternatives available for all-purpose flour, you should surely try them out. We’ve mentioned some of the best flour substitutes for diabetics above and it is up to you to try them in your different recipes and make your baking adventures fun.
The various nutrients present in these flours are responsible for several health benefits, especially for those who have diabetes. Lowering sugar intake usually means cutting down on flour but with these all-purpose flour substitutes, the transition becomes easier. We’ve enlisted the best options available in the market but do check out labels before you buy flour if you’re allergic to gluten.
Recommended Read: Ways To Control Sugar Craving
