WTF Is Almond Meal and How Can You Use It?

Really, WTF is this almond flour that everyone is going on about? And what's the difference between that and almond meal? Well, both almond meal and almond flour are made by grinding almonds. Although they're easy to mistake as the same product, almond flour is most often made with sweet blanched almonds (no skin), whereas almond meal can be made either with whole or blanched almonds. They can be used interchangeably, although using flour from blanched almonds will produce a more refined, less grainy result. Whether you’re following a Paleo diet, pursuing a Keto lifestyle, or just looking to cut down on carbs in general, it’s helpful to have a bag of almond flour or meal handy in the pantry. Almonds are packed with lots of vitamins, minerals, and other phytonutrients that make them beneficial for improving complexions, aiding in the movement of food through the colon, and preventing cancer. Plus, researchers who studied data from the Nurses Health Study estimated that substituting nuts for an equivalent amount of carbohydrates in an average diet resulted in a 30 percent reduction in heart disease risk. Furthermore, almonds appear to not only decrease after-meal increases in blood sugar, but also provide antioxidants to mop up free radicals. And each cup of almond flour contains about 90 almonds. That's a lot of good-for-you in every bite! Now that you know a little bit more about almond flour, here are six great ways to start using it in your everyday cooking.

Pancakes: Fluffy and nutty, pancakes that rely on almond meal or flour are the most delicious gluten-free, low-carb way to start your day. Tropical almond pancakes keep healthy habits going strong.

Breadcrumb Substitute: Almond meal replaces the breadcrumbs and flour traditionally called for in fried chicken and adds a nutty, almost cornmeal-like flavor and consistency to the chicken. When you need chicken tenders in your life (while wanting to stick to your special diet), turn to this Paleo, air-fried chicken tenders recipe.

Creative Coatings: Yes, almond meal and flour are Keto-friendly, making them a great coating for fried apps and snacks like these cauliflower cheese tots. Try out this twist on the traditional finger food where potato is replaced with cauliflower and breadcrumbs with almond meal. Oh, and these are absolutely loaded with cheese too.

Cookies: Try cookie recipes that incorporate almond flour instead of wheat flour. These little vegan, gluten-free peanut butter cookies only require three ingredients. Things get even more exciting when you realize that they just so happen to help alleviate depression. Yep, you read that right: These cookies promote happiness on multiple levels.

Pie Crust: These gluten-free lemon squares are one of those recipes where you totally won’t miss good old gluten. Instead, you’ll find yourself appreciating almond meal for the nutty, buttery shortbread crust that it creates to complement the notes of vanilla and lemon zest in each lemon square.

Genius Confections: Vegan cookie dough bites mean you don’t have to feel bad about enjoying a spoonful of cookie dough. This version omits the flour, refined sugar, and eggs normally found in batter in favor of almond flour, nut butter, and maple syrup.