A question we are commonly asked: Is there a difference between almond meal and almond flour?
The answer: YES!
What is the Difference Between Almond Meal and Almond Flour?
While almond meal is typically made from raw (unpeeled) almonds, almond flour is made from blanched (peeled) almonds.
Compared to almond meal, almond flour has a finer texture and lighter color.
These differences are even more pronounced when comparing almond flour to almond meal made from leftover almond pulp (all three versions pictured below — top: almond meal from pulp, middle: almond meal from raw almonds, bottom: almond flour).
When to Use Almond Meal vs Almond Flour?
Almond meal and almond flour can typically be used interchangeably in quick breads and cookies and they are great gluten-free alternatives to traditional flours.
However, for recipes where a more cake-like consistency and less prominent almond flavor is desired, almond flour is definitely the way to go because of its lighter texture, color, and more neutral flavor.
You can see an example of where we used almond meal in these 5-Ingredient Vegan Gluten Free Cookies and an example of where we used almond flour in this 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten Free Vanilla Cake.
How to Make Almond Meal
Making homemade almond meal is so easy! It requires just 1 ingredient, 1 blender, and 5 minutes.
Simply add raw almonds (with skin on) to a blender and blitz until a fine, powdery flour is achieved. I like to turn the blender on the highest setting for 5-10 seconds, then stop, shake, and hit the sides to see if any clumps have formed. Then blend again until fine and powdery. You’ll know you’ve gone too far if it starts turning to almond butter or clumping up on the sides.
Not only is it simple to make, but homemade almond meal tastes fresher and is usually more cost-effective than buying it at the store.
Almond Meal Recipes
Now that you’ve made almond meal, it’s time to put it to use!
This nutrient-rich flour lends itself well to muffins, cookies, crackers, and so much more! We typically like to use a mix of flours in a recipe in order to achieve the ideal texture and flavor — our favorite being almond meal, oats or oat flour, and our Gluten-Free Flour Blend.
Here are some of our favorite recipes using almond meal as an ingredient:
- Banana Almond Meal Muffins (Gluten-Free + Vegan)
- 1-Bowl Pumpkin Muffins (Vegan + GF)
- 1-Bowl Berry Coconut Muffins (Vegan + GF)
- The Best Almond Meal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan + GF)
- Almond Meal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Coconut
- The Best Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Crackers
If you try any of these recipes, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
How to Make Almond Meal
Instructions
- Add almonds to a high-speed blender and blend on high until a fine, powdery flour is achieved. We recommend turning the blender on the highest setting for 5-10 seconds. Then stop, shake the blender, and hit the sides to shake loose any clumps that have formed. Blend again until fine and powdery — all in all about 10-15 seconds of blending. You’ll know you’ve gone too far if it starts turning to almond butter or clumping up on the sides.
- Check your blender for bits of nuts and continue blending, occasionally removing your blender from the base and shaking to ensure all nuts are well blended.
- Transfer to a jar or container and store up to 1 month unrefrigerated, often longer. See notes for recipe suggestions.
Video
Notes
*Here are some of our favorite recipes using almond meal as an ingredient:
- Banana Almond Meal Muffins (Gluten-Free + Vegan)
- 1-Bowl Pumpkin Muffins (Vegan + GF)
- 1-Bowl Berry Coconut Muffins (Vegan + GF)
- The Best Almond Meal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan + GF)
- Almond Meal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Coconut
- The Best Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Crackers
Shannon says
What container do you use to store this? Thanks!
Hi Shannon, we typically store in a sealed glass jar. Any sealed container will work!
Peter Werner says
How do you do this without ending up with almond butter? That’s what I’ve ended up with every time I’ve put nuts in a blender, but then, I was trying to get almond butter. But now I specifically need a more or less dry almond meal for zimsterne cookies I’m making, so I need to make sure I end up with something coarsely powdered rather than oily.
Also, do you specifically need a blender for this, or can you do it in a food processor?
Thanks!
Hi Peter, it sounds like you may be blending too long and/or using too many almonds at once. You want to use a small enough amount and stop to shake the sides regularly for it to blend evenly. A food processor won’t get it as fine, but depending on what you’re making, that could be okay. Hope that helps!
Mindy says
Can you use almond pulp instead of almond meal?
Hi Mindy! Yes. We also have some almond pulp recipes you can check out!
Mindy says
I meant to ask this on the brownie recipe page. 🤦♀️ Can almond pulp be substituted for the almond meal in that recipe, or any other?
Hi Mindy, you can make almond pulp into almond meal using this recipe and then use it brownies. But keep in mind that some of the fat and flavor will be removed, so to prevent it from being too dry, we’d suggest increasing the amount of oil. Hope that helps!
Carmen vella says
Thanks so much for all the info. I was wondering if almond flour was the same as almond meal.
Almond flour is so costly and I will certainly do as you suggested in doing with the raw almonds as a meal.
Hi Carmen, almond flour is made from blanched almonds (skin removed). You can learn more about it here. Hope that helps!
benni says
I used my nutra bullet to make almond flour
Barbara says
I’m trying to figure out how much 1 1/2 cup of raw almonds, sliced or whole will make. Does it make only 1/4 cup? It seems like a very expensive way to make, otherwise, good recipes.
Hi Barbara, sorry for the confusion! 1 1/2 cups almonds makes about 1 1/2 cups almond meal, or slightly less!
Donald says
Thank you
Mae says
What blender did you use? I find some blenders cause the nuts to be a bit damp and clumpy.
Thanks
We used a Blendtec for this one, but Vitamix also works. Just make sure to pulse and shake it every few pulses to prevent clumping.
Katie says
I used a spice/nut grinder and it made beautiful, fluffy almond meal in about 10 seconds from organic, whole raw almonds. Did not realize this is so easy!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Katie!
Gigi says
Hello! Just wondering how to make almond meal using the left over wet pulp from making the dairy-free coffee creamer recipe (which links to this post). I’m assuming you need to put the almond meal into the oven to dry out, but just checking before I make the creamer :) Many thanks as always.
Hi Gigi, sorry, we’ll fix that link! Here’s the correct one: https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-almond-meal-from-almond-pulp/
Gigi says
Thank you so much for fixing the link – greatly appreciated xx
Allison says
is it necessary to activate the almonds before making them into almond meal
We don’t find it necessary!
Mamta says
Hi, why do you feel activating the nuts before preparing almond meal is not necessary. If we activate it we can get rid of phytic acid.
There’s also research showing phytates to have beneficial effects. You can learn more here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7600777/
Rochel says
Can I use a food processor to make almond meal?
Hmm, we aren’t sure it would get the texture fine enough. But let us know if you try it!
Lael says
I used a food processor. I don’t think I got it as fine as it’s supposed to be, but it seemed satisfactory for my purposes (I’m making your gluten-free banana bread- I think a little nutty crunch will be good :)
Good to know! Thanks for sharing, Lael!
Dana says
Can I do this with roasted unsalted almonds? Or do they have to be raw?
Hi Dana, they should be raw. We think roasted would impact the flavor of what you make with it.
Sabryna says
My husband can’t have any nuts – what can I use to replace almond meal for your recipes
Hi Sabryna, it will depend on the specific recipe- sometimes our DIY GF blend, sometimes other nut/seed flours, etc. We would recommend checking the comments on the individual recipes to see what others have tried. Or feel free to comment on a particular recipe and we will let you know what might work best.
Kathy Ward says
I made this and it was so easy! Thank you! I have one crazy question – I love the jar you put the meal in! What brand is that and do you know where I can get them? I want to transfer all my pantry items to glass jars and I’ve never seen those before!
Hi Kathy! We’re so glad you enjoyed this recipe! They are medium sized weck jars.
Dagmar says
Can you make pancakes with almond meal, or do I news to combine it with another flour?
I’d recommend this recipe for guidance.
Eroulla says
Does almond meal from pulp give a different texture or result compared to raw almond meal?
HI Eroulla, We have found that when using almond meal made from leftover pulp in recipes that call for traditional almond meal, it is sometimes helpful to compensate with additional water, oil, or fat. That’s because some of the fat from the almonds is lost in the process of making the almond milk. You can find more info here: https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-almond-meal-from-almond-pulp/