Does Almond Flour Need to be Organic? A Complete Guide to Pesticides, Pasteurization, and Health

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Almonds are a crop that is heavily sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, leading to consumer concerns about chemical residues in both whole nuts and processed flour. This intensive conventional farming raises an important question: Does almond flour need to be organic?

Quick Summary

The choice between organic and conventional almond flour hinges on several factors, including pesticide exposure, pasteurization methods, environmental impact, and cost. Conventional almonds are often treated with chemicals like glyphosate and pasteurized with propylene oxide, while organic options offer a cleaner, more sustainable choice.

Key Points

Pesticide Exposure: Conventional almonds are heavily sprayed with chemicals like glyphosate, leading to residue concerns for health and the environment.
Chemical Pasteurization: Unlike the natural steam process used for organic almonds, conventional almonds are often treated with propylene oxide (PPO), a suspected carcinogen.
Pollinator Health: Organic farming protects crucial pollinators like bees from harmful pesticides used in conventional almond orchards.
Clean Eating: Choosing organic almond flour minimizes your dietary exposure to synthetic chemical residues, ensuring a cleaner final product.
Cost vs. Quality: Organic almond flour is typically more expensive but reflects more sustainable and health-conscious growing and processing methods.
No Functional Difference: For most baking applications, the performance of organic and conventional almond flour is identical, so the choice is largely based on personal values.

Understanding Conventional Almond Farming

Almonds are a major agricultural product, particularly in California, where most of the world's supply originates. The vast scale of this farming often relies on practices that prioritize yield and pest control, which has significant implications for the final product. Conventional almond farming involves heavy use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides to manage pests and weeds. For example, glyphosate, a common herbicide, is frequently used in non-organic almond orchards. These chemicals can be absorbed by the nuts, and while official testing may show low residues on the final product, the cumulative effect of long-term consumption is a concern for many consumers.

The Impact of Pasteurization Methods

In the United States, regulations require that almonds be pasteurized to prevent potential microbial contamination, such as salmonella. The method of pasteurization differs dramatically between conventional and organic almonds. Conventional almonds are often fumigated with propylene oxide (PPO), a chemical classified as a possible carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This process is highly effective at sanitizing, but its use raises health concerns for consumers. Organic almonds, on the other hand, are required to be pasteurized using natural, non-chemical methods, most commonly steam pasteurization.

The Health and Environmental Argument for Organic

Choosing organic almond flour offers several distinct benefits related to both personal health and environmental sustainability. From a health perspective, purchasing organic ensures that the almonds were grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, reducing your potential exposure to these substances. Furthermore, the organic label guarantees that the almonds were pasteurized using steam rather than the chemical PPO, eliminating another potential health risk. Environmentally, organic farming practices are generally more sustainable. They promote healthier soil, conserve water, and avoid the use of chemicals that are toxic to vital pollinators, such as bees, which are essential for almond pollination.

Making Your Decision: A Comparison Table

To help you decide which is the right choice for you, here is a breakdown of the key differences between organic and conventional almond flour:


Feature	Conventional Almond Flour	Organic Almond Flour
Pesticide Exposure	High potential for residue from synthetic pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate.	Minimal to no pesticide residue, as synthetic chemicals are prohibited in organic farming.
Pasteurization Method	Often uses chemical fumigants like propylene oxide (PPO).	Exclusively uses natural methods, such as steam pasteurization.
Environmental Impact	Uses high quantities of chemicals that can harm soil, water, and crucial bee populations.	Supports farming practices that improve soil health, conserve water, and protect pollinators.
Potential Health Concerns	Risk of ingesting chemical residues and PPO, which is a suspected carcinogen.	Lower risk of chemical exposure due to natural farming and processing methods.
Cost	Typically less expensive due to higher yields and lower production costs.	Generally more expensive due to stricter regulations and farming practices.

Practical Considerations for Baking

Beyond the ethical and health considerations, there are practical factors for bakers. Both organic and conventional almond flour come in blanched (skins removed) and unblanched (skins on) varieties. Blanched flour, which is lighter in color and finer in texture, is preferred for delicate baked goods like macarons. Unblanched flour, which has a coarser texture and darker color, is great for rustic baked goods or breading. For most recipes, the performance difference between organic and conventional flours of the same grind is negligible, so the choice comes down to your personal values.

The Final Verdict

While almond flour does not technically need to be organic to be edible, the evidence suggests that organic is the superior choice for those who want to minimize their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and support environmentally responsible farming practices. The use of chemical fumigants and pesticides in conventional production presents real concerns for both human health and the planet. If budget is a major factor, conventional flour can be used, but for those who prioritize clean eating and sustainability, the organic option is highly recommended. The small increase in cost for organic almond flour is often outweighed by the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're consuming a purer, more ethically sourced product. For more information on pesticides and their impact on crops, refer to resources from organizations like Beyond Pesticides.

List of Factors to Consider

Health Concerns: Are you trying to reduce exposure to chemical residues and carcinogens?
Environmental Impact: Do you want to support farming that protects pollinators and avoids chemical runoff?
Budget: Does the higher cost of organic almond flour fit within your grocery budget?
Availability: Is organic almond flour readily available at your local stores?
Recipe Requirements: Does your recipe specify a blanched or unblanched flour, and can you find an organic version?
Dietary Restrictions: While both are gluten-free, if you have severe chemical sensitivities, organic may be a safer bet.
Personal Values: What do you prioritize most in your food choices—price, ethics, or health? This will guide your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences are in the farming and processing methods. Organic almonds are grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides and are pasteurized with steam, whereas conventional almonds are grown with these chemicals and are often fumigated with propylene oxide (PPO).

While it is generally considered safe and must meet regulatory standards, conventional almond flour has a higher potential for pesticide residue and is processed with a chemical (PPO) that some consumers prefer to avoid for health reasons.

Organic almond flour costs more due to stricter regulations, higher labor costs associated with natural farming methods, and lower yields compared to conventional farming.

Conventional, non-organic almonds are often treated with glyphosate, which means there is a higher potential for residual amounts to be present in non-organic almond flour.

Yes, choosing organic almond flour supports farming practices that avoid harmful pesticides, which in turn protects pollinators like bees and prevents chemical runoff into local water supplies.

Yes, for most baking purposes, organic and conventional almond flour are interchangeable. The primary differences relate to chemical exposure rather than baking performance, so a 1:1 substitution is usually fine.

No, both organic and conventional almond flours are naturally low-carb and gluten-free. The choice between them depends on your preference regarding chemical exposure and environmental impact, not dietary function.