You've found a cake recipe that calls for almond flour, but the bag in your pantry says almond meal. Do you need to make another trip to the shops?

The almond flour vs almond meal question usually comes down to texture and whether the almonds have their skins on. Both are ground almonds, and products with a similar grind can often work in the same recipe.

Before you buy another bag, check the one you have. The description may tell you more than the name on the front.

Almond flour vs almond meal: what's the difference?

Almond flour often means finely ground almonds, while almond meal may be coarser. You'll also see blanched and natural varieties.

Blanched almonds have had their skins removed, so the ground product is pale. Natural or unblanched varieties include the skins, which leave brown flecks.

The names aren't consistent across brands. We stock Lotus Almond Meal, which is made from blanched almond kernels, and Bob's Red Mill Natural Almond Flour, which includes the skins. Both examples show why it helps to check how the almonds have been prepared. Look for a description of the grind as well as whether the skins are included.

Can you swap almond meal and almond flour?

Often, yes. A fine blanched almond meal may be close to the almond flour your recipe needs. A coarser meal will leave more texture, which can be lovely in biscuits or a crumble topping but more noticeable in a fine-textured cake or macarons.

Before making a swap:

• Check whether the recipe specifies finely ground or blanched almonds.
• Compare that with the description on your pack.
• Follow the recipe's weight measurements where provided.
• Expect some change in appearance if you switch to a variety with skins.

For a special occasion bake, use the type specified. Save your first experiment with a substitute for another day.

Which should you use for cakes and biscuits?

For a fine, even texture

Choose a finely ground blanched product when you want a pale finish with little graininess.

PBCo. Almond Flour is made from finely ground blanched Australian almonds. That makes it an option for recipes that specify a fine, blanched almond flour.

For crumbles and more textured baking

A little graininess can be part of the appeal of a crumble topping or a chunky biscuit. This is where a coarser meal can work well. Skin-on varieties also leave visible brown flecks, so expect a more speckled finish.

A fine meal can still work in these recipes. It simply gives you a different texture.

For recipes that specify almond meal

If a recipe asks for almond meal without further detail, look at any accompanying notes or photos for clues about the intended texture. Lotus Almond Meal is blanched and is described for use in cakes and pie fillings. It may already be the type your recipe needs.

Can almond flour replace plain flour?

Almond flour and wheat flour behave differently. Ground almonds contain natural oils and don't form the gluten structure that wheat flour does.

Replacing all the plain flour with almond flour can change how a cake holds together or how biscuits spread. The mixture may also need a different balance of liquid.

Choose a recipe written for almond flour or meal for a more predictable result. If you're adapting an old favourite, look for tested substitution instructions before changing the ingredients.

You can compare the baking options in our flour range.

Buying for a gluten-free recipe

Pure almonds don't contain gluten, but the finished product's label still matters. Check the gluten-free statement and allergen information on the specific pack, especially when baking for someone who needs to avoid gluten.

Both almond flour and almond meal contain almonds, so neither is suitable for someone with an almond allergy.

FAQs

Does almond meal always have the skins in it?

No. Some almond meals are made from blanched almonds. Check the ingredients or product description.

Can I replace almond flour with coconut flour?

It isn't a direct swap. Coconut flour absorbs liquid differently, so use a recipe developed for it or follow specific substitution instructions.

Will almond flour make my recipe rise?

Almond flour isn't a raising agent. Follow the recipe for eggs, baking powder or any other ingredients that provide lift and structure.