What is Green Pea Flour Made of and How is it Produced?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Green pea flour is made from just one simple ingredient: dried, milled green peas. This gluten-free and nutrient-dense powder offers a versatile, healthy alternative for baking and cooking, providing high levels of protein and fiber.

Quick Summary

Green pea flour is a nutrient-dense powder made from grinding dried green peas. It is a naturally gluten-free source of plant-based protein and fiber for sweet and savory dishes.

Key Points

Single Ingredient: Green pea flour is made from grinding dried, whole green peas, making it a simple, minimally processed ingredient.
Naturally Gluten-Free: As it is made solely from peas, this flour is a naturally gluten-free option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Rich in Nutrients: The flour is a potent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and important minerals like iron and magnesium.
Versatile Culinary Uses: Green pea flour can be used in a wide range of recipes, including baking, thickening soups, creating batters, and binding ingredients.
Different from Pea Protein: Unlike pea protein powder, which is a processed isolate, pea flour is a whole-food product that retains all of the pea's original fiber and nutrients.
Simple Production: It can be manufactured industrially through milling or easily made at home using a blender or grinder with dried peas.

The Simple Composition of Green Pea Flour

What is green pea flour made of? Simply put, it's ground 100% green peas. The process involves drying and then finely milling the peas into a powder. Whole green pea flour, which includes the pea's outer skin, retains maximum fiber and nutrients. This makes it an appealing, minimally processed whole-food alternative for cooking and baking.

The Pisum sativum Connection

Green peas are a type of legume (Pisum sativum). Dried field pea varieties are often used for flour due to their high protein and fiber and longer shelf life.

The Journey from Pod to Powder: How It's Produced

Green pea flour production transforms whole legumes into a fine powder.

Commercial Manufacturing Process

Industrial production includes cleaning, drying, and milling. A process for extracting pea components can be found on {Link: Google Patents https://patents.google.com/patent/US7186807B2/en}.

How to Make Green Pea Flour at Home

Making green pea flour at home is straightforward: start with dried green peas, grind them finely in a blender or food processor, sift, and store properly.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Benefits of Green Pea Flour

Green pea flour offers numerous health benefits. It is high in protein and dietary fiber, and a source of vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium. It has a low glycemic index and is naturally gluten-free.

Green Pea Flour vs. Pea Protein Powder

These are different products. Pea flour grinds whole dried peas, containing protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Pea protein powder isolates protein, removing most fiber and starch.


Feature	Green Pea Flour	Pea Protein Powder
Processing	Grinds whole dried peas.	Isolates protein, removing fiber and starch.
Nutrient Profile	Contains protein, fiber, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.	Concentrated protein with most fiber and micronutrients removed.
Protein Content	Good amount, but not highly concentrated.	Very high concentration (80-90%).
Best For	Baking, cooking, thickening.	Protein shakes, smoothies.

Culinary Applications: How to Use Green Pea Flour

Green pea flour is a versatile addition to many dishes, used in baked goods, as a thickening agent, and in savory dishes.

Conclusion: A Versatile and Nutritious Ingredient

Green pea flour, made simply from dried whole green peas, is a nutritious, plant-based, and gluten-free ingredient. For more on pulse nutrition, visit the {Link: USA Pulses website https://www.usapulses.org/resources/1381-usa-pulse-flour-brochure/file}.

Why is green pea flour a popular gluten-free alternative?

It is made from 100% green peas and contains no gluten, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

How does the fiber content in green pea flour benefit digestion?

Green pea flour is rich in fiber, which aids digestion, supports gut health, and promotes fullness.

Can green pea flour be used to make sweet dishes?

Yes, it has a mild flavor and can be used in sweet recipes like pancakes and cookies, often mixed with other flours.

Is there a significant difference in nutrient content between green pea flour and pea protein powder?

Yes. Pea flour contains protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals from the whole pea. Pea protein powder is an isolate, with protein extracted and most other nutrients removed.

How should green pea flour be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer storage.

Is green pea flour a low-carb option for those following a keto diet?

It is lower in carbohydrates than traditional wheat flour and used in keto recipes for protein and fiber.

Can I substitute green pea flour for traditional flour in recipes at a 1:1 ratio?

No, 1:1 substitution is not recommended due to differences in properties; recipes need adjustment or combining with other flours.

Does green pea flour have any allergens?

Pure green pea flour is generally non-allergenic, but check labels for cross-contamination.

What is the benefit of using sprouted green pea flour over regular green pea flour?

Sprouting can boost nutrient availability and enhance digestibility and absorption.

Can green pea flour be used to thicken sauces and gravies?

Yes, it's an excellent natural thickening agent, adding creamy texture and nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, green pea flour is naturally gluten-free as it is made from 100% green peas, which contain no gluten.

No, a 1:1 substitution is not typically recommended. As a gluten-free flour, its baking properties differ significantly from wheat flour, and recipes often require adjustments or combining it with other flours.

Green pea flour has a mild, slightly earthy and subtly sweet flavor. Toasting the flour before use can bring out a nuttier taste.

No, they are different products. Pea flour is made from grinding the entire dried pea, retaining all its components. Pea protein powder is an isolate, with protein extracted and concentrated from the pea, removing most of fiber and other nutrients.

To maintain freshness, store green pea flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can also be refrigerated for longer-term storage.

Green pea flour is lower in carbohydrates than traditional wheat flour and is often used in keto recipes for its high protein and fiber content, but it's not carb-free.

Yes, you can make it at home by finely grinding dried green peas in a high-speed blender or spice grinder. Sifting the powder and regrinding any coarse pieces will ensure a smooth texture.