Baking Without Gluten: Our Top Picks for Gluten-Free Flours Available in Canada

Living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can be challenging, especially when it comes to baking. Fortunately, there are many gluten-free flours available here in Canada, that can help you create delicious baked goods without the gluten.

In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at five of the most popular gluten-free flours available to Canadian shoppers.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each flour, as well as provide some general tips for baking with gluten-free flours. Whether you’re a seasoned gluten-free baker or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the world of gluten-free flours available in Canada and create delicious baked treats that everyone can enjoy.

OK Canadians, let’s dive into it!

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour

A popular choice for those who want to enjoy gluten-free baked goods without sacrificing taste or texture. This flour is made from a blend of gluten-free flours and starches, including rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. It also contains xanthan gum, which helps with texture and binding.

One of the main benefits of using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour is that it can be substituted 1-to-1 for traditional wheat flour in most recipes. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to convert their favorite recipes to gluten-free versions. However, some bakers have reported a slightly gritty texture in baked goods, so it may not work as well in certain recipes.

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour may contain traces of soy and tree nuts, which can be a concern for those with allergies. However, it is certified gluten-free and non-GMO, which may be important to some.

Overall, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour is a versatile option that can work well in a variety of recipes, including cakes, cookies, and breads. It may be a good choice for those who want a convenient, all-purpose gluten-free flour that can be used to substitute wheat flour in their favorite recipes.

King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour

Another popular option for Canadians who want to create gluten-free baked goods that taste just as good as their wheat-based counterparts. This flour is made from a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, and it also contains xanthan gum.

Similar to our first flour, King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour can be substituted 1-to-1 for wheat flour in most recipes. Additionally, this flour has a smooth texture and produces baked goods with a tender crumb, which can be a plus for those who want to avoid the gritty texture that some gluten-free flours can have.

Some users have reported that King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour is not as effective in recipes that require a high rise, such as bread. It also may contain traces of soy and tree nuts. It is also certified gluten-free and non-GMO.

King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour is a great option that can work well in many recipes, including cakes, cookies, and muffins. It may be a good choice for those who want a flour that produces tender, flavorful baked goods with a smooth texture.

Namaste Foods Organic Perfect Flour Blend

Namaste Foods Organic Perfect Flour Blend is a gluten-free flour that is made from a blend of organic brown rice flour, organic tapioca starch, and organic arrowroot powder. It is also free from the top eight allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans), which makes it a good choice for those with multiple food sensitivities.

One of the main benefits of using Namaste Foods Organic Perfect Flour Blend is that it produces baked goods with a light and fluffy texture, which can be more difficult to achieve when baking whilst gluten-free. It also has a mild flavor, which can be a plus for those who want to showcase the flavors of other ingredients in their recipes. This flour is certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and organic.

Some bakers have reported that Namaste Foods Organic Perfect Flour Blend can be a bit finicky to work with, and may require some experimentation to get the right texture and rise in your baked goods. This flour may not be suitable for recipes that require a lot of structure, such as bread.

Namaste Foods Organic Perfect Flour Blend is a good option for those who want a versatile, allergen-free flour that can work well in a variety of recipes, including cakes, cookies, and pancakes. It may be a good choice for those who want to avoid the gritty texture that some gluten-free flours can have.

Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour

Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour is a great choice for those who want a gluten-free flour that can be used in many different recipes. This flour is made from a blend of rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum.

Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour can be substituted 1-to-1 for wheat flour in most baking recipes. This flour produces baked goods with a tender crumb and a mild flavor.

A potential downside is that Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour can be a bit expensive compared to other gluten-free flours available in Canada. This flour may not work as well in recipes that require a lot of structure, such as bread.

Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour is a versatile choice that can work well in many recipes, including cakes, cookies, and pie crusts. It may be a good choice for those who want a flour that produces tender, flavorful baked goods with a mild flavor.

Pamela’s Products Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour

Pamela’s Products Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour is made from a blend of non-GMO rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and other natural ingredients.

One of the primary benefits of using Pamela’s Products Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour is that it produces baked goods with a light and fluffy texture. This flour has a mild flavor and is also certified gluten-free and kosher, which may be important to some home bakers.

It’s possible this flour may not work as well in recipes that require a lot of structure, such as bread.

Pamela’s Products Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour is a lovely gluten-free flour choice that is available to Canadians. A good option for those who want a flour that produces light and fluffy baked goods with a mild flavor.

5 Tips for Baking With Gluten-Free Flour

1. Use a blend of gluten-free flours: Gluten-free flours can have different textures and flavors, so using a blend of flours can help create a more balanced and flavorful finished product. Don’t worry about this as a beginner though, save it for when you’re feeling more confident in your gluten-free baking.
2. Add xanthan gum: Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking, as it helps to add structure and elasticity to baked goods. It is often included in gluten-free flour blends, but if your blend doesn’t contain it, you may need to add it separately.
3. Measure carefully: Gluten-free flours can be more finicky than wheat flour, so it’s important to measure your ingredients carefully to ensure that your baked goods turn out properly. Use a kitchen scale if possible, and make sure to spoon your flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it (seriously, trust us on this one).
4. Don’t overmix: Gluten-free batters and doughs can be more delicate than their wheat-based counterparts, so it’s important not to overmix them. Mix your ingredients until just combined, and avoid overworking the dough or batter.
5. Experiment: Gluten-free baking can be a bit of a trial-and-error process, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flours, blends, and recipes. Keep notes on what works and what doesn’t, and use your experiences to guide your future baking endeavors. It’s a marathon not a sprint!

There are many gluten-free flour options available for those Canadians who want to enjoy baked goods without the gluten. Each flour has its own unique characteristics, and choosing the right one can depend on the recipe you’re making and your personal preferences.

By using a blend of gluten-free flours, adding xanthan gum, measuring carefully, avoiding overmixing, and experimenting with different recipes, you can create delicious gluten-free baked goods that are just as satisfying as their wheat-based counterparts. Whether you have a gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or simply want to explore new baking options, there’s a gluten-free flour out there that can help you achieve your goals.

We wish you the best of luck with your gluten-free baking!