If you are making a a recipe that calls for chickpea flour (also known as garbanzo bean flour) but don’t have any, no need to fear. There are a number of substitutes you can use instead of chickpea flour.
And not only will you find the best chickpea flour substitutes in this article, but you will also find how to use them in your recipe.
So what are the best substitutes for chickpea flour?
The top chickpea flour substitutes are cassava flour, arrowroot powder, quinoa flour, almond flour, oat flour, and millet flour.
Chickpea Flour Alternatives
Originally used in Indian cuisine, chickpea flour has gained in popularity and is used in all types of recipes.
Chickpea flour is naturally gluten free, and it has become a popular gluten replacement in baked goods.
Chickpea flour is not always available at the local grocery store, so if you need to use a replacement you have multiple great options. And we will go over all of them below.
Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is an excellent gluten free substitute for chickpea flour. It provides a subtle flavor that will not interfere with other flavors in your recipe. It also creates a similar texture to chickpea flour when baking.
I use cassava flour in all types of baking and cooking dishes. It works wonderfully in cake, cookies, bread and more.
You can also use cassava flour as a thickener in soups, broths, and gravy.
Related: Cassava Flour Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of cassava flour equals 1 cup of chickpea flour
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is naturally gluten free and quite versatile making it an excellent chickpea flour alternative.
Arrowroot powder can be used in everything from breakfast to dinner to dessert recipes. It offers a mild flavor and texture similar to chickpea flour.
While arrowroot works in any type of recipe that calls for chickpea flour, it is particularly well suited as a thickener.
Related: Arrowroot Powder Substitute
Equivalent
1 cup of arrowroot powder equals 1 cup of chickpea flour
Quinoa Flour
This popular gluten free flour is a great replacement for chickpea flour in all types of dishes. It works as a flour base as well as a thickening agent.
Use quinoa in baked goods like cake and cookies or as a thickener in gravy or soup.
Quinoa flour is not always available at regular grocery stores but can be found at most specialty stores as well as online.
Keep in mind that quinoa flour is one of the priciest options on the list, but it works well if you have it available.
Equivalent
1 cup of quinoa flour equals 1 cup of chickpea flour
Almond Flour
This mild flavored powder produced by grinding boiled almonds is an exceptional substitute for chickpea flour.
With a subtle, earthy and sweet flavor, almond flavor will compliment any recipe that calls for chickpea flour.
Use almond flour in breads, cookies, cakes and just about any recipe and you will get a wonderful flavor and texture.
Equivalent
1 cup of almond flour equals 1 cup of chickpea flour
Oat Flour
Available premade at the store, or easily made at home, oat flour is a solid all around replacement for chickpea flour.
Oat flour offers a mild flavor that will not interfere with other flavors in your recipe. It also provides a great texture for baked goods. It is a great option for baked goods, especially cookies.
Note: To make oat flour at home, add whole oats to your blender or food processor and blend until a fine powder is created.
Equivalent
3/4 cup of oat flour equals 1 cup of chickpea flour
Millet Flour
Used for centuries, millet flour is a classic kitchen staple that can be used instead of chickpea flour in all types of dishes.
You can find ready to use millet flour at most grocery stores or you can make your own at home. To make your own, simply add whole millet to your blender and process until it produces a fine textured powder.
Equivalent
1 cup of millet flour equals 1 cup of chickpea flour
Chickpea Flour Replacement FAQ
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for chickpea flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used in any recipe that calls for chickpea flour. Use a 1:1 ratio when subbing in all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that all-purpose flour is not gluten free. So if you require a gluten free substitute, use one of the options above.
Are chickpea flour and almond flour interchangeable?
Yes, chickpeas flour and almond flour can be used in the same recipes. They are quite similar in texture. Chickpea flour is more subtle than almond flour but that should not make a noticeable difference in your final recipe.
Can I replace chickpea flour with coconut flour?
Yes, coconut flour can be used instead of chickpea flour. Coconut flour can be used in baked goods or as a thickener. It offers a flavor and texture that compliments any recipe that uses chickpea flour.
Related: Coconut Flour Substitutes
Can I use wheat flour instead of chickpea flour?
Yes, wheat flour can be used in place of chickpea flour. Wheat flour contains gluten but will work well in any recipe that calls for garbanzo bean flour.
What is a good chickpea flour substitute for falafel?
When making falafel without chickpea flour, use quinoa flour, cassava flour, or almond flour. Any of these alternatives can be used at a 1:1 ratio.
What is a good chickpea flour substitute for eggs?
When making an egg dish that calls for chickpea flour, substitute in cassava flour, almond flour, millet flour, or quinoa flour. For millet flour use 3/4 of a cup for each cup of chickpea flour called for. When using any of the other alternative, use a 1:1 ratio.
What is a good substitute for chickpea flour in seitan?
The best substitutes for chickpea flour when making seitan are quinoa flour, almond flour, and cassava flour. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing chickpea flour with any of these alternatives.