Almond Flour Substitutes: Nut-Free & Gluten-Free Swaps
The best substitute for almond flour is Sunflower Seed Flour at a 1 cup sunflower seed flour per 1 cup almond flour ratio. It works best for cookies, muffins, pancakes. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Sunflower Seed Flour
1 cup sunflower seed flour per 1 cup almond flour
The best nut-free swap. Works 1:1 in most recipes. May turn baked goods green due to a reaction with baking soda-add 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent this.
What are the other substitutes for almond flour?
Cashew Flour
1 cup cashew flour per 1 cup almond flour
Milder, slightly sweeter flavor. Works 1:1 with nearly identical texture. Not suitable for those with tree nut allergies.
Oat Flour
1 cup oat flour per 1 cup almond flour
Lower in fat, lighter in texture. Results will be less moist-add 1-2 tbsp oil or butter to compensate. Use certified GF oats if needed.
Coconut Flour
1/4 cup coconut flour per 1 cup almond flour
Extremely absorbent-use only 1/4 the amount. Add 1 extra egg or 1/4 cup extra liquid per 1/4 cup coconut flour used. Results will be lighter and drier.
Hazelnut Flour
1 cup hazelnut flour per 1 cup almond flour
Rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate. Works 1:1 with similar moisture content. Slightly more aromatic than almond flour.
What should you know before substituting almond flour?
Almond flour adds moisture and fat to baked goods, so substitutes lower in fat (like oat flour) may need added oil. It does not behave like wheat flour-you cannot substitute it 1:1 for all-purpose flour in most recipes without other adjustments.
How do you substitute almond flour in a recipe?
A grain-free, gluten-free flour made from finely ground blanched almonds. High in protein and healthy fats, popular in low-carb and paleo baking.
The best substitute for almond flour depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Sunflower Seed Flour (1 cup sunflower seed flour per 1 cup almond flour), which works well for cookies, muffins, pancakes.
If you need a different option, Cashew Flour (1 cup cashew flour per 1 cup almond flour) is another reliable choice. Milder, slightly sweeter flavor. Works 1:1 with nearly identical texture. Not suitable for those with tree nut allergies.
When substituting almond flour, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and Celiac Disease Foundation. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of almond flour in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nut-free substitute for almond flour?
Sunflower seed flour works 1:1 in place of almond flour and is completely nut-free. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter to prevent the baked goods from turning green from a reaction with baking soda.
Can I substitute coconut flour for almond flour?
Yes, but use only 1/4 cup coconut flour per 1 cup of almond flour. Coconut flour is extremely absorbent, so you must also add 1 extra egg and about 1/4 cup extra liquid to the recipe.
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Not directly. Almond flour has no gluten so it cannot provide the same structure. You can use it 1:1 in recipes specifically designed for almond flour, but wheat flour recipes need significant adjustments.