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Flour Database

Quinoa Flour

FDA CompliantWorks with Yeast

mild, nutty with slight bitterness; toast lightly before use to reduce bitterness

14%

Protein

125%

Absorption

124g

Per Cup

6mo

Shelf Life

Water absorption

125% · 45400% across gluten-free flours
Less absorbent (45%)More absorbent (400%)

Thirstier than most gluten-free flours — expect to add liquid when you swap to it. See the full spectrum →

Binding Agents

Xanthan Gum

0.25 tsp / cup

Psyllium Husk

0.75 tsp / cup

Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum or 3/4 tsp psyllium husk per cup. High water absorption; increase liquid in recipes by 10-15%. Best used as 25-50% of a flour blend.

When to Choose Quinoa Flour

Specialty gluten-free flours typically work best as a partial component in a blend (15–30% of total flour) rather than as the primary flour. Their distinctive nutritional profiles, flavors, or functional properties are assets at moderate amounts but can overpower texture and taste at higher percentages.

High protein benefit: At 14% protein, this flour improves structure and browning when added to lower-protein base flours like rice flour. Adding 15–20% of a high-protein specialty flour to a standard blend noticeably improves crust color and crumb texture.

Common alternatives: For more neutral-flavored results, sorghum flour or oat flour are generally more versatile substitutes. For recipes where this flour’s flavor is a feature (earthy, nutty, or robust notes), it can be used at higher percentages.

Compare side-by-side in the Flour Database. For conversion amounts, use the Flour Converter. See methodology for data sources.

Best For

PancakesMuffinsQuick BreadsFlatbread

How it compares to All-Purpose Flour

Protein
14%+36%
Absorption
125%+47%
Density
124g/cup-1%

Wheat AP flour: 10.3% protein, 85% absorption, 125g/cup

Storage

refrigerate after opening; high fat content can go rancid. Approximately 6 months shelf life.

Certification

FDA Compliant: Meets FDA gluten-free labeling requirements (<20 ppm gluten).

Convert a recipe with Quinoa

Where to Buy

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Quick Facts

Category
specialty
Works with Yeast
Yes
Density
124g / cup
Shelf Life
6 months

Get the free Gluten-Free Flour Cheat Sheet

One-page printable guide: how much of each gluten-free flour replaces wheat, plus the 3 rules that fix most gluten-free baking problems.