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Which King Arthur Flour is Gluten-Free? A Guide to Their Blends

3 min read

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), many individuals are newly diagnosed with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease annually, driving the need for clear product information. For those new to or experienced in allergen-friendly cooking, understanding which King Arthur flour is gluten-free is an essential first step for successful baking.

Quick Summary

King Arthur offers specific gluten-free flours for different baking needs: Measure for Measure for 1:1 substitutions in non-yeasted recipes, and an All-Purpose blend for scratch recipes calling for a GF mix. Additional specialized GF options are also available.

Key Points

  • Choose Correctly: Not all King Arthur flours are gluten-free; select a product from their certified gluten-free line.

  • 1:1 Conversion: Use King Arthur's Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour for an easy, cup-for-cup swap in most non-yeasted recipes.

  • For Scratch Baking: Use King Arthur's Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour when a recipe calls for a specific GF blend, often requiring the addition of a binder like xanthan gum.

  • Different Flours, Different Uses: The two main gluten-free blends are for different purposes; Measure for Measure is best for quick breads and pastries, while the All-Purpose is better for yeasted items with specific liquid adjustments.

  • Trust the Certification: All of King Arthur's gluten-free flours are Certified Gluten-Free by the GFCO, ensuring they meet rigorous standards.

  • Adjust Your Baking: Be prepared for slight differences in texture and baking time with gluten-free flour blends and let baked goods rest for the best results.

In This Article

King Arthur's Dedicated Gluten-Free Products

While King Arthur offers a wide range of flours, not all are gluten-free. The company provides a specific line of products dedicated to gluten-free baking, and it's essential to check the label for certification. The two primary offerings for general baking purposes are the Measure for Measure Flour and the Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, each formulated for different uses.

King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour

This blend is designed to be a direct, 1:1 substitute for traditional all-purpose wheat flour in most non-yeasted recipes. It is a convenient option for bakers who want to convert a traditional recipe without overhauling the ingredient list. The formula is crafted to mimic the structure and texture of conventional flour, making it ideal for the following baked goods:

  • Cookies
  • Cakes
  • Muffins
  • Brownies
  • Pancakes

Unlike the All-Purpose version, this blend contains xanthan gum, which acts as a binder to replace the elasticity and structure that gluten provides. This means you typically do not need to add any additional binders when using this flour.

King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour

This blend is intended for bakers using recipes that specifically call for a 'gluten-free flour blend'. It is formulated without xanthan gum, which allows for greater control over the final texture, especially in yeast-based recipes where an elastic structure is desired. The blend consists of:

  • White rice flour
  • Whole grain brown rice flour
  • Tapioca starch
  • Potato starch

Since it does not contain xanthan gum, you will need to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum or psyllium husk, to your recipes when using this blend. This gives experienced gluten-free bakers more flexibility to tailor their bakes.

Other Specialized King Arthur Gluten-Free Products

Beyond the primary blends, King Arthur also offers specialized mixes and flours for specific gluten-free recipes, including:

  • Gluten-Free Bread Flour: Specifically formulated for yeasted breads, with added sorghum flour and xanthan gum.
  • Gluten-Free Pancake Mix: A ready-to-use mix for quick and easy gluten-free pancakes.
  • Gluten-Free Brownie Mix: A popular and easy-to-use mix for fudgy brownies.

Gluten-Free Flours Compared: Measure for Measure vs. All-Purpose

To help you choose the right flour for your project, here is a quick comparison:

Feature Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Gluten-Free All-Purpose
Best For Converting traditional, non-yeasted recipes Scratch recipes calling for a GF flour blend
Substitution Ratio 1:1 swap for wheat flour Use as specified in a GF recipe
Contains Xanthan Gum? Yes No
User Level Great for beginners Better for experienced GF bakers
Typical Results Excellent for cakes, cookies, and quick breads More control for yeasted breads and varied textures

Pro Tips for Baking with King Arthur Gluten-Free Flours

Achieving perfect results with gluten-free flour can sometimes require minor adjustments. Follow these tips for a better baking experience:

  • Rest the Dough: For cookies, consider refrigerating the dough overnight. This allows the flours to fully hydrate, reducing grittiness.
  • Adjust Liquid: For yeast recipes using the Gluten-Free Bread Flour, you may need to add a couple more tablespoons of liquid per cup of flour, as the blend is more absorbent than wheat flour.
  • Expect Different Textures: Understand that gluten-free bakes will have a different texture than their conventional counterparts. Often, they can feel a little wetter when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
  • Check for Doneness Differently: The 'toothpick test' might not be reliable. Instead, rely on a deep golden-brown color for visual cues of doneness.
  • Don't Over-Knead: Gluten-free doughs do not need to be kneaded with the same intensity as wheat-based doughs. Gentle handling is key to prevent a gummy texture.

Conclusion: Which King Arthur Flour Is Gluten-Free and Right for You?

The King Arthur flour that is gluten-free will depend on your specific recipe and baking style. For simple, no-fuss conversions of your favorite non-yeasted recipes, opt for the Measure for Measure Flour with its built-in binder. For experienced bakers who enjoy creating custom recipes or tackling yeasted bread from scratch, the Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour offers the necessary flexibility. Regardless of your choice, be sure to always check for the certified gluten-free label to ensure a safe and delicious baking experience.

For more detailed information and recipes, you can visit the King Arthur Baking website's dedicated gluten-free section: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/collections/gluten-free-recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all of King Arthur's flour products are gluten-free. The company offers a diverse product line that includes both conventional wheat flours and certified gluten-free options. It is important to always check the packaging for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' label to ensure you are purchasing the correct product.

King Arthur's Measure for Measure is a 1:1 substitute designed for converting traditional, non-yeasted recipes and includes xanthan gum. Their Gluten-Free All-Purpose is for scratch recipes that specifically call for a gluten-free blend and does not include xanthan gum, offering more control for specialized baking.

It depends on the blend. The Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour already contains xanthan gum as a binder. The Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, however, is made without it, giving bakers the freedom to add their own binding agent.

King Arthur generally recommends using their specialized Gluten-Free Bread Flour for yeasted recipes like bread. While Measure for Measure can work for some non-yeasted items, it is not formulated for the structure needed in most yeast breads.

The ingredient list for King Arthur's Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour includes a blend of rice flour, whole grain brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch.

King Arthur Baking Company offers an extensive collection of tested gluten-free recipes on their website. You can find collections for everything from cakes and cookies to breads and pizza crusts.

Yes, many bakers report successful results with King Arthur's gluten-free flours. The Measure for Measure blend is especially praised for its ease of use in converting non-yeasted recipes, and the company offers expert support through their Baker's Hotline for additional help.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.