1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Low Carb Diets

Almond Flour or Meal: How to Use it and Where to Get It

By Laura Dolson, About.com

Updated: August 22, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

almond meal coffee cake

Blueberry Coffee Cake made with almond meal

Laura Dolson

What is Almond Flour? What is Almond Meal?:

Almond flour and meal are both just ground up almonds. Almond flour is most often made with blanched almonds (no skin), whereas almond meal can be made either with whole or blanched almonds. In either case, the consistency is more like corn meal than wheat flour. I find that for the most part they can be used interchangeably.

What is Almond Flour/Meal Good For?:

Almond flour is good in "quick-bread" type recipes, like muffins, nut breads, and pancakes (see recipes below). It's not good for foods such as bread that require a real dough (you can't knead it). Usually, more eggs are required when baking with almond meal to provide more structure. Almond meal can also be used in breading fish, but care must be taken not to burn it.

Can I Make My Own Almond Flour?:

Yes, you can make it in a blender or food processor, though care must be taken not to go too far, or you will have almond butter! Use fairly small amounts, and pulse until it's meal.

Where Can I Get Almond Flour/Meal?:

Most health food stores sell it. Trader Joe's has the best price I have found for almond meal with the skin. Online Shopping: Compare Prices

Recipes for Muffins and Quick Breads:

Basic Low-Carb Muffins with variations - blueberry, apricot, etc.

Almond Flax "Doughnut" Muffins

Cranberry Nut Bread

Blueberry (or Raspberry) Cream Cheese Coffeecake

Recipes for Desserts:

Torte de Re - Lemon Almond Cake

Chocolate Rum Balls

Microwave Apple Almond Dessert

Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups

More Almond Flour Recipes:

Low-Carb Biscuits

Almond Meal Pancakes

Blueberry Almond Microwave Breakfast "Pudding"

Explore Low Carb Diets
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Low Carb Diets
  4. Low-Carb Products
  5. Almond Flour or Meal - How to Use it and Where to Get Almond Meal

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.