This article provides an overview of almond meal, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make almond meal substitutes.
What is Almond Meal?
Almond meal is the product of the process of grounding whole or blanched sweet almonds. The consistency is similar to cornmeal. The texture tends to be very coarse and crumbly, because of the addition of raw, unpeeled almonds.
What does Almond Meal taste like?
Almond meal tastes similar to almond flour, with its nutty flavor, however, the skin from the almonds can add a slightly bitter taste, which is often not desired in sweeter recipes. However, it is a great addition to savory ones.
Is Almond Meal readily available in Supermarkets?
Almond meal is readily available in most supermarkets, typically stocked in the baking section. If you cannot find it, it can be easily made at home from whole almonds.
What are some alternative names for Almond Meal?
Almond meal is often incorrectly called almond flour, which is very similar, except that the grounding process is with blanched almonds only. Often the two names are used interchangeably which is a huge inconvenience for home cooks!
What is a good substitute for Almond Meal in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for almond meal. These include:
- Almond Flour is very similar to Almond Meal and has a finer texture
- Cornmeal has the same texture generally, however, does not have the same nutty flavor