Is King Arthur's gluten free flour good? An In-Depth Review

According to numerous customer reviews and baking tests, King Arthur's Measure for Measure gluten-free flour consistently provides excellent results for a wide variety of non-yeasted baked goods, offering a reliable 1:1 substitute for wheat flour. But is King Arthur's gluten free flour good for all baking projects, or should bakers adjust their approach depending on the recipe?.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed review of King Arthur's different gluten-free flour blends, evaluating their performance across various baked goods and comparing them to top competitors.

Key Points

• Measure for Measure is a 1:1 Substitute: This blend works exceptionally well for non-yeasted recipes like cookies, cakes, and muffins.

• Specialized Flour for Bread: For yeasted recipes, use King Arthur's Gluten-Free Bread Flour to achieve a better rise and texture.

• Check Ingredients for High Sensitivity: The GF Bread Flour contains gluten-free wheat starch, which can cause issues for some highly sensitive celiacs.

• Consistent, Neutral Flavor: King Arthur's blends are known for a clean, neutral flavor and consistent performance, resulting in fewer baking failures.

• Consider the Recipe Type: Your final judgment on the flour's quality will depend on whether you use the appropriate blend for your specific baking project.

• Worth the Price: While more expensive than some rivals, the reliable results can prevent wasted ingredients and effort, offering good overall value.

A Closer Look at King Arthur's Gluten-Free Flours

King Arthur Baking Company offers several certified gluten-free products, but the two most popular for general home baking are their Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour and their Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour. It's crucial to understand the differences to achieve the best results.

Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour

This blend is explicitly formulated for a simple 1:1 substitution in recipes that do not use yeast, such as cookies, cakes, muffins, and pancakes. Its blend of rice flour, brown rice flour, sorghum flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, combined with xanthan gum, is designed to mimic the properties of traditional all-purpose flour without the gluten. Reviewers consistently praise this blend for its neutral flavor, lack of grittiness, and reliability.

Pros and Cons of Measure for Measure Flour

• Pros:
  • Convenient 1:1 substitution for most recipes.
  • Includes xanthan gum, eliminating the need to add it separately.
  • Excellent performance for non-yeasted baked goods like cakes and cookies.
  • No grittiness or aftertaste reported by most users.
• Cons:
  • Not ideal for yeasted recipes, which may turn out dense.
  • Some bakers note cookies may not spread as much as desired.

Gluten-Free Bread Flour

For serious bread bakers, King Arthur offers a dedicated Gluten-Free Bread Flour. Unlike the all-purpose blend, this flour is specifically engineered for yeast-leavened doughs, producing a soft, fluffy crumb and excellent rise. The key ingredient is gluten-free wheat starch, which helps create a dough that is easier to work with.

However, it's vital to note a significant caveat: this flour is not suitable for all individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. The gluten-free wheat starch, while meeting FDA standards (less than 20 ppm of gluten), has caused reactions in some very sensitive people.

Performance Breakdown for Baked Goods

For cakes, cookies, and muffins, the Measure for Measure blend is a standout performer. King Arthur's own website features recipes designed specifically for this blend, showcasing its capability to produce tender, moist, and delicious results. Conversely, while some have experimented with yeasted items using the Measure for Measure flour, the denser results confirm it is not the optimal choice for bread. For bread, pizza crust, and bagels, the specialized Gluten-Free Bread Flour is the intended product and performs impressively, creating textures previously hard to replicate. This specialized flour works exceptionally well in bread machines.

King Arthur vs. The Competition

When evaluating King Arthur's performance, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular gluten-free flour blends. A baking experiment by The Gluten Free Austrian compared King Arthur Measure for Measure to Cup4Cup and Bob's Red Mill, yielding some key insights.

Specification	King Arthur Measure for Measure	Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1	Cup4Cup Multipurpose
Best Use	1:1 substitute for cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes	Heartier recipes; muffins, pancakes	Cakes, cookies, delicate pastries, some breads
Texture	Fine, results in soft, delicate crumb	Can have a coarser, denser crumb	Can produce a light, puffy, and soft texture
Flavor Profile	Neutral, clean taste	Mild, slightly nutty flavor	Can have a slightly starchy taste
Key Differences	Very consistent results, dairy-free	Can be inconsistent and drier in some bakes	Contains dairy (milk powder), which acts as a binder
Cost	Mid-range, premium value	Often slightly cheaper than KA	Higher price point

Conclusion: The Verdict on King Arthur's Gluten Free Flour

Overall, King Arthur's gluten-free flours are a very good, reliable choice for gluten-free baking, particularly the Measure for Measure blend for non-yeasted items. Its high quality and consistent results minimize the guesswork often associated with converting traditional recipes. However, the success of your baking depends heavily on selecting the right King Arthur blend for the job. While Measure for Measure is a versatile workhorse, bakers aspiring for soft, well-risen bread should opt for the specialized Gluten-Free Bread Flour, with the important caveat that those with high sensitivity to wheat starch should be cautious. For many home bakers, King Arthur provides a premium, dependable option that yields excellent, delicious results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which King Arthur gluten-free flour should I use for cookies and cakes?

For cookies, cakes, muffins, and other non-yeasted baked goods, use King Arthur's Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour. It is specifically designed for a 1:1 substitution in these recipes.

Can I use King Arthur's Measure for Measure flour for baking bread?

King Arthur's Measure for Measure flour is not recommended for yeasted breads. For best results with bread and other yeast-leavened goods, you should use their specialized Gluten-Free Bread Flour.

Is King Arthur's gluten-free flour gritty?

Most reviews indicate that King Arthur's Measure for Measure flour has a fine texture and does not produce a gritty result. Its fine grind and blend of starches contribute to a smooth finish.

Does King Arthur's gluten-free flour contain xanthan gum?

King Arthur's Measure for Measure blend includes xanthan gum, so you do not need to add it separately when using this product. The Gluten-Free All-Purpose flour, however, is made without xanthan gum.

How does King Arthur's flour compare to Bob's Red Mill?

According to comparisons, King Arthur's flour tends to have a finer texture and more neutral flavor, making it excellent for delicate baked goods. Bob's Red Mill can be slightly coarser with a nuttier flavor, which some prefer for heartier recipes.

Is King Arthur's Gluten-Free Bread Flour safe for all celiacs?

No. The Gluten-Free Bread Flour contains gluten-free wheat starch. While this meets FDA gluten-free standards, some individuals with extremely high sensitivity to gluten have reported reactions and should use caution.

Why did my bread turn out dense with King Arthur's gluten-free flour?

It is likely you used the Measure for Measure flour. For bread and other yeasted goods, this blend is not the right choice and can result in dense loaves. It is better to use their specialized Gluten-Free Bread Flour for optimal rise and texture.