Can you buy filo pastry gluten-free? Your Guide to Finding and Baking

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 Reddit thread, commercially available gluten-free filo is still not as widespread as many would hope, leading many to make it at home, which directly addresses the question, 'Can you buy filo pastry gluten-free?'.

Quick Summary

This article explores the availability of gluten-free filo pastry, detailing where to find it commercially and providing guidance on how to create a high-quality version at home. Alternatives and nutritional considerations are also discussed.

Key Points

Limited Availability: Gluten-free filo pastry is not widely available in standard supermarkets and is mostly found through specialized online retailers or health food stores.
Homemade is an Option: Many gluten-free bakers prefer to make their own filo pastry at home for superior freshness, pliability, and control over ingredients.
Specialized Ingredients: Successful homemade gluten-free filo requires specific ingredients like a quality GF flour blend, a binder such as xanthan gum, and a starch like cornstarch for proper texture.
Use Alternatives: If buying or making filo is not an option, gluten-free puff pastry or rice paper wrappers can be used as substitutes for a similar but distinct texture.
Handling Technique: To prevent homemade dough from drying out and cracking, it is essential to keep it covered with a damp towel while working and to roll it between sheets of parchment paper.
Taste and Texture: The resulting texture of homemade gluten-free filo is often more satisfying and pliable compared to some of the drier store-bought versions.
Nutritional Profile: The final nutritional impact of a filo dish depends heavily on the fillings and added fats, as both traditional and GF pastry sheets are relatively low in calories on their own.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating the world of traditional pastries can be a challenge. Filo, with its signature delicate and paper-thin layers, has long been a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, creating beloved dishes like baklava and spanakopita. However, traditional filo is made from wheat flour and is therefore off-limits. This naturally begs the question for many gluten-free bakers: can a suitable, store-bought alternative be found, or is a homemade solution the only path?

The Challenge of Finding Gluten-Free Filo

Unlike many other gluten-free baking products that have become common in grocery stores, gluten-free filo remains a niche item. The reason for this lies in the unique properties of wheat gluten itself. Gluten is what gives traditional filo its incredible elasticity, allowing it to be stretched into gossamer-thin sheets without tearing. Replicating this characteristic with gluten-free flours, which lack this inherent elasticity, is a significant technical challenge for commercial producers. This manufacturing difficulty, combined with lower demand compared to products like gluten-free bread or pasta, means that most mainstream supermarkets do not carry a gluten-free version of filo pastry.

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Filo Pastry

Despite the limited availability in traditional brick-and-mortar grocery stores, it is possible to acquire gluten-free filo pastry through specific channels.

Online Retailers and Specialty Shops

The most reliable way to find gluten-free filo is through online specialty food retailers. Websites like Amazon often list products from dedicated gluten-free brands. In addition, specialized online gluten-free markets and stores may carry it. Some regional brands also exist, such as 'Off the Gluten Path,' available in some international markets.

Specialized Gluten-Free Manufacturers

Some manufacturers, like Fillo Factory, offer gluten-free puff pastry under their 'Geefree' line, which is often used as a substitute for filo in many recipes. While not identical in texture, it can produce a similar flaky result for certain applications. Checking the websites of these manufacturers can provide information on which local stores might stock their products.

Health Food Stores

Larger health food stores or grocery chains with extensive dietary needs sections may occasionally carry frozen gluten-free filo, but it is not a guarantee. It is best to call ahead to inquire about availability.

Homemade Gluten-Free Filo: The Ultimate Solution

For those who prioritize freshness, perfect texture, and reliable availability, making gluten-free filo at home is often the most rewarding option. Homemade versions can produce a result that is more pliable and less prone to cracking than some store-bought alternatives.

Key Ingredients for Success

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: A high-quality, cup-for-cup blend is essential. The type of blend can significantly impact the final texture.
Xanthan Gum: This is the key binder that mimics gluten, providing the necessary elasticity. Most recipes call for a specific amount, which should be adjusted if your flour blend already contains it.
Starch: Ingredients like cornstarch or tapioca starch are often used to add lightness and structure.
Fat: Melted butter, oil, or a dairy-free spread is used between layers for crispness.

Tips for Handling Homemade Filo

Making filo from scratch requires patience, but the process is manageable with the right technique:

Work on a large, lightly floured surface, and use a thin rolling pin for delicate control.
Rest the dough for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flours to hydrate fully.
To prevent the thin sheets from drying out, keep them covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap while working.
Embrace parchment paper! Rolling out the dough between two sheets of parchment greatly reduces the risk of tearing and makes handling much easier.

Comparison: Store-bought GF Filo vs. Homemade


Feature	Store-bought Gluten-Free Filo	Homemade Gluten-Free Filo
Availability	Very limited, primarily online or in specialty stores.	Always available with the right ingredients on hand.
Convenience	High; ready to use out of the package.	Low; time and effort are required for preparation.
Texture	Can be drier and more delicate, prone to cracking.	More pliable and fresh, producing a better flaky result.
Ingredients	Varies by brand; can include stabilizers and preservatives.	Full control over ingredients, great for specific dietary needs.
Cost	Often more expensive due to specialized production.	Generally more economical when made from scratch.

Nutritional Considerations

Regarding the nutritional aspects, both traditional and gluten-free filo pastry are relatively low in fat before the addition of butter or oil between the layers. The final nutritional profile largely depends on the preparation method and filling. For example, a gluten-free filo made with a flour blend containing rice flour, tapioca, and cornstarch will have a slightly different macronutrient breakdown than a traditional version, but the total calories per sheet can be comparable. For those with dietary restrictions, being able to control the quality of the ingredients by making it at home is a significant advantage.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

So, can you buy filo pastry gluten-free? The answer is yes, but with limitations. While it is possible to find pre-made versions from specific brands online or at niche stores, the availability is not widespread. The most reliable and often most rewarding path for home cooks is to make their own. By using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, the right binders, and careful handling, a perfectly flaky and delicious gluten-free filo pastry can be achieved, opening the door to a world of previously inaccessible recipes, from savory spanakopita to sweet baklava.

Alternatives to Traditional Filo

For those not interested in making their own dough, there are still excellent options for achieving flaky, pastry-like dishes.

Gluten-Free Puff Pastry: As mentioned, brands like Geefree offer a gluten-free puff pastry that can work as a substitute, especially for savory pies or turnovers.
Rice Paper Wrappers: For specific applications like spring rolls or light, crispy parcels, rice paper wrappers can provide a similar thin texture, though the flavor and overall feel will differ.

For those interested in exploring some delicious gluten-free recipes that utilize homemade phyllo, a site like Kouzounas Kitchen offers a great starting point for inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional filo pastry is made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. It is not suitable for a gluten-free diet and a gluten-free alternative must be used.

Gluten-free filo is primarily available from specialized online retailers, such as Amazon, and some health food or gluten-free-focused stores.

Typical ingredients for homemade gluten-free filo include a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, a binder like xanthan gum, starch (e.g., cornstarch or tapioca), water, and a small amount of fat.

Yes, some bakers find that gluten-free puff pastry, available from brands like Geefree, can be used as a serviceable substitute for certain dishes that require flaky layers, such as baklava.

Keep the rolled-out filo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap while you work to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle, which can cause cracking.

Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and working quickly are effective ways to handle the delicate sheets. Using smaller portions can also make the process more manageable.

Homemade gluten-free filo is often considered to have a more pliable and fresh texture than store-bought versions, which can sometimes be drier and more prone to cracking.