All-Purpose Flour

Wheat flour, white, all-purpose, enriched, bleached

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Flour FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is all-purpose flour vegan?
• Is all-purpose flour gluten-free?
• What are some alternatives to all-purpose flour?
• Is all-purpose flour keto-friendly?
• Is all-purpose flour high in protein?
• Is all-purpose flour low FODMAP?
• Does flour contain carbs?
• Does flour contain cholesterol?
• Does all-purpose flour contain fat?
• Does all-purpose flour contain sugar?
• Is all-purpose flour high in fiber?
• Does all-purpose flour contain sodium?
• Is flour high in potassium?
• Does flour contain iron?
• Does flour contain lactose?
• Is flour high in histamine?
• Is all-purpose flour Paleo diet friendly?
• Is all-purpose flour Halal?
• Is all-purpose flour kosher?

Is all-purpose flour vegan?

Yes, all-purpose flour is vegan. It is made from wheat grains, which are plant-based and do not contain any animal or animal-derived ingredients.

Is all-purpose flour gluten-free?

No, all-purpose flour is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat, which naturally contains gluten. The gluten content can typically be about 70-75 grams per 100 grams of wheat-based flour but the specific quantity may vary depending on the brand.

What are some alternatives to all-purpose flour?

Various alternatives to all-purpose flour suitable for different dietary requirements are available. These include almond flour and coconut flour as gluten-free and low-carb options, chickpea flour as a high-protein and gluten-free option, and rice flour as a gluten-free option generally well tolerated by most people. Other grain flours such as rye or spelt flour can be an alternative if you are just looking for a different flavor or nutritional profile, but they are not gluten-free.

Is all-purpose flour keto-friendly?

No, all-purpose flour is not considered keto-friendly. It is high in carbohydrates, with around 76 grams of carbs per 100 grams of flour (of which only about 3 grams are fiber), which is significantly above the recommended daily intake of 20-50 grams for ketogenic diets. Almond flour, with only about 10 grams of net carbs per 100 grams, or coconut flour, with about 18 grams of net carbs per 100 grams, are often used as lower-carb alternatives in keto diets.

Is all-purpose flour high in protein?

All-purpose flour contains about 13 grams of protein per 100 grams. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is around 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men each day. So, while all-purpose flour does contain protein, it is not considered a high-protein food source.

Is all-purpose flour low FODMAP?

No, all-purpose flour is not considered low FODMAP. FODMAPs are a type of carbohydrate that are reported problematic for some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). All-purpose flour is made from wheat, which contains significant amounts of the high FODMAP carbohydrate Fructan. It is therefore not recommended for those following a low FODMAP diet.

Does flour contain carbs?

Yes, all-purpose flour is high in carbohydrates. Around 100 grams of all-purpose flour contains approximately 76 grams of carbohydrates. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that carbohydrates make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories. For someone consuming 2000 calories a day, this means around 225g to 325g of carbs per day. Therefore, all-purpose flour can be a significant source of the daily carbohydrate intake.

Does flour contain cholesterol?

No, all-purpose flour does not contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is only found in animal-based products. Since flour is made from grains, it contains no cholesterol.

Does all-purpose flour contain fat?

Yes, all-purpose flour does contain some fat, but in a very small amount. A cup of all-purpose flour contains approximately 1.2 grams of fat, which is only about 2% of the recommended daily value.

Does all-purpose flour contain sugar?

Factory-processed all-purpose flour typically does not contain added sugars. However, it does contain naturally occurring carbohydrates. Some of these carbs can be broken down into sugars in the body. A cup of all-purpose flour contains about 95 grams of carbohydrates.

Is all-purpose flour high in fiber?

No, all-purpose flour is not considered high in fiber. A cup of all-purpose flour contains approximately 3.4 grams of fiber, which is about 14% of the recommended daily fiber intake of 25 grams for women and 13% of the 38 grams recommended daily for men.

Does all-purpose flour contain sodium?

No, all-purpose flour typically does not contain sodium unless it has been modified to become self-rising flour, which adds baking powder and salt to the mix. Standard all-purpose flour should be sodium-free. Always check the label to be sure if you’re complying with a low-sodium diet.

Is flour high in potassium?

No, all-purpose flour is not high in potassium. A cup of all-purpose flour contains approximately 107 milligrams of potassium. According to the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine, the recommended daily value (DV) for potassium is around 4700 mg for adults. Therefore, flour provides only a small fraction of the daily recommended amount of potassium.

Does flour contain iron?

Yes, all-purpose flour does contain some iron. One cup of all-purpose flour contains about 4.6 milligrams of iron. The recommended daily value according to the National Institutes of Health, is 8 mg for men and post-menopausal women, and 18 mg for pre-menopausal women. Hence, flour can contribute to but is not a particularly high source of your daily iron intake.

Does flour contain lactose?

No, all-purpose flour does not contain lactose. Lactose is a sugar that is found in milk and milk products. Since flour is made from grain and does not contain milk or dairy products, it is lactose-free.

Is flour high in histamine?

No, all-purpose flour is not high in histamine. Histamine is a compound that is formed from the amino acid histidine and is not naturally present in grains used to make flour. Foods that are high in histamine tend to be fermented or aged foods like wine, cheese, and cured meats, which flour is not.

Is all-purpose flour Paleo diet friendly?

No, all-purpose flour is not Paleo diet friendly. The Paleo diet emphasizes foods that were likely available in the Paleolithic era before the advent of agriculture. It eliminates grains, legumes and all processed foods. All-purpose flour, derived from wheat, is a grain and thus not compatible with the Paleo diet.

Is all-purpose flour Halal?

Yes, all-purpose flour is Halal. Halal certification involves ensuring a food product is free from any component that Muslims are prohibited from consuming according to Islamic law. Since all-purpose flour is typically made from wheat and processed without any animal products or alcohol, it is generally Halal.

Is all-purpose flour kosher?

Yes, all-purpose flour is generally considered kosher. Kosher dietary laws restrict certain food pairings, mainly dairy with meat, and certain types of foods like shellfish and pork. Wheat flour, which is what all-purpose flour is, does not fall into any of these categories. However, during Passover, leavened products (which includes typical all-purpose flour) are avoided by those following strict Jewish dietary laws. But there is kosher for Passover flour available, which is processed under careful supervision to ensure it has not come into contact with any leavening agents.