Is amaranth flour suitable for people who avoid gluten?

Amaranth grain itself contains no gluten – this is one of the reasons amaranth flour is seen as an alternative to wheat flour for people who are cutting down on gluten or avoiding it out of personal preference.

At the same time, people with coeliac disease or pronounced gluten sensitivity need to look not only at the ingredients but also at the production conditions: if the flour is made in a facility that also processes wheat, rye or barley, cross-contamination is possible. This flour is declared gluten-free by the manufacturer, but if you have coeliac disease it is worth also checking for a “gluten-free” label on the pack itself.

If you avoid gluten for medical reasons, it is worth consulting a specialist before introducing a new product into your diet – especially if you have coeliac disease, a chronic gastrointestinal condition or an allergy.

For those who simply want to vary their diet and have no medical restrictions, amaranth flour is one way to add plant protein and dietary fibre to the menu without resorting to traditional cereal ingredients.