A Canadian-based company that offers gluten-free, organic and dairy-free bakery products, pastries and flours. The website showcases their products, provides gluten-free and low FODmap recipes and allows customers to find or order their products online. https://www.cuisinelangelique.com/en/
Article from Mireille Levasseur October 16 2023.
Benefits of Gluten Free Flours for Canadian Customers
Gluten-free flours are do not contain gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some other popular grains. They can be beneficial for people who have celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten ataxia, wheat allergy or other medical conditions that require avoiding gluten.
Some of the benefits of gluten-free flours are :
They do not trigger immune system reactions or damage the lining of the small intestine in people with gluten-related disorders.
They are lower in carbohydrate than wheat flour and have a low glycaemic index (GI), which means they do not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This can help with blood glucose control and weight management.
They are rich in nutrients, such as fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese and B-vitamins. These nutrients can support various aspects of health, such as digestion, immunity, energy production and metabolism.
They are high in antioxidants, such as polyphenols and carotenoids. These antioxidants can help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to chronic diseases.
They provide a variety of flavors and textures for baking and cooking. Gluten-free flours can be made from different sources, such as nuts, seeds, legumes and pseudocereals. Each type of flour has its own taste, color and consistency that can enhance the quality of gluten-free products.
However, they also have some drawbacks, such as :
They are more expensive than wheat flour and may not be widely available in some areas.
They may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing or transportation if they are not certified gluten-free or made in a dedicated facility.
They may have a different baking performance than wheat flour and require adjustments in recipes. For example, some gluten-free flours may need more liquid, eggs or binding agents to prevent crumbling or dryness.
They may be less nutritious than wheat flour if they are refined or processed. Some gluten-free flours may lose some of their fiber and nutrients during milling or bleaching. They may also contain added sugars, fats or salt to improve their taste or texture.
Summary
Gluten-free flours are flours that do not contain gluten and can be beneficial for people who need to avoid gluten for medical reasons. They can also provide a variety of flavors and textures for baking and cooking. However, they can also be more expensive, cross-contaminated, less nutritious or harder to bake with than wheat flour. .
Gluten free flours are becoming more popular and accessible in Canada, as more people are diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, or choose to avoid gluten for other reasons. Gluten free flours are made from grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, or other sources that do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. Gluten free flours can be used to make breads, cakes, cookies, pizza crusts, and other baked goods that are suitable for people who follow a gluten free diet. There are many types of gluten free flours available in Canada, each with different characteristics, nutritional values, and prices. Some of the most common gluten free flours are:
Rice flour: Rice flour is made from finely ground rice, either white or brown. It has a mild flavor and a light texture. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores. Rice flour can be used for making pancakes, muffins, cakes, and cookies. However, it can be dry and crumbly, so it is usually mixed with other gluten free flours or binders such as xanthan gum or eggs. Rice flour is one of the most common and inexpensive gluten free flours. In 2023, the average price for 454 grams (1 lbs) was around $9.00 in Canada. A 1 kg pouch is $19.80 and a large 10 kg bag is around $140.00.
Oat flour: Oat flour is made from whole oats that are ground into a fine powder. It has a nutty flavor and a moist texture. It is rich in fiber and protein, and can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Oat flour can be used for making breads, scones, biscuits, and granola bars. However, oats can be contaminated with gluten during processing, so it is important to look for certified gluten free oat flour. This one is a bit more expensive than rice flour but still affodable at a price of around $9.50 for 454 grams (1 lbs) in Canada. A 1 kg pouch is $20.90 and a large 10 kg bag is around $150.00.
Almond flour: Almond flour is made from blanched almonds that are ground into a fine meal. It has a sweet flavor and a dense texture. It is high in protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond flour can be used for making cakes, cookies, macarons, and pie crusts. However, it is more expensive than other gluten free flours and can be high in calories. This one has a price tag of $13.00 for 454 grams (1lbs), which can be a bit of a turn off for customers. A 1 kg pouch is $25.00 and a large 10 kg bag is around $210.00.
Coconut flour: Coconut flour is made from dried coconut meat that is ground into a fine powder. It has a mild coconut flavor and a fluffy texture. It is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. Coconut flour can be used for making muffins, cupcakes, brownies, and breads. However, it is very absorbent and requires more liquid and eggs than other gluten free flours. This one has a price tag of $8.50 for 454 grams (1lbs). A 1 kg pouch is $16.00 and a large 10 kg bag is around $125.00.
Quinoa flour: Quinoa flour is made from quinoa seeds that are ground into a fine powder. It has a nutty flavor and a light texture. It is high in protein, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Quinoa flour can be used for making pancakes, waffles, tortillas, and crackers. However, it can have a bitter aftertaste if not rinsed well before grinding. This one has a price tag of $10.00 for 454 grams (1lbs). A 1 kg pouch is $19.00 and a large 10 kg bag is around $165.00.
There are also many other gluten free flours such as buckwheat flour, chickpea flour, corn flour, millet flour, sorghum flour, tapioca flour, teff flour, and more. Each gluten free flour has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the recipe and the preference of the baker. The best way to compare prices in real time is to visit a renown gluten-free flours online store in Canada : https://www.cuisinelangelique.com/en/online-store/flours
