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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 BEST Substitutes for Teff Flour

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The best substitutes for Teff Flour are Buckwheat Flour, Quinoa Flour, Rice Flour, Amaranth Flour, and Tapioca Flour.

Buckwheat Flour

Buckwheat flour is made from the seeds of the buckwheat plant.

Quinoa Flour

Quinoa and teff are two of the most popular gluten-free flours on the market today.

Oh boy, ran out of teff flour in the middle of your cooking spree?

We've been there, digging through our kitchens, looking for something-anything-that could save our dish. And guess what?

We hit the jackpot. Not just once, but five times over.

That's right, we found five amazing substitutes that work just as well, if not better, than teff flour.

You're probably thinking, "No way, nothing can replace that unique taste and texture," right?

what is teff flour Save for Later!

Table of Contents

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  • Gluten-Free Flours Like Teff Flour
    • 1 - Buckwheat Flour
    • 2 - Quinoa Flour
    • 3 - Rice Flour
    • 4 - Amaranth Flour
    • 5 - Tapioca Flour
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Gluten-Free Flours Like Teff Flour

Teff flour is a godsend for many people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

This fine-grained flour is made from a species of grass native to Ethiopia and Eritrea and doesn't contain any gluten.

That means it's perfect for making everything from pancakes to bread.

Unfortunately, teff flour can be hard to find, and it can be expensive.

If you can't find teff flour or if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, there are a few good substitutes - including sweet rice flour options and swaps.

1 - Buckwheat Flour

buckwheat flour Save for Later!

Buckwheat flour is made from the seeds of the buckwheat plant.

The seeds are ground into a fine powder, which can be used to make various baked goods.

Buckwheat flour has a distinctive, nutty flavor that sets it apart from other types of flour.

It is also high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option for baking.

In addition, buckwheat flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

When baking with buckwheat flour, note that it does not rise like wheat flour.

As a result, baked goods made with buckwheat flour may be denser than those made with wheat flour.

For alternatives that perform similarly in hearty, dense loaves, rye flour swap suggestions lists five suitable substitutes.

2 - Quinoa Flour

quinoa flour Save for Later!

Quinoa and teff are two of the most popular gluten-free flours on the market today - and for swaps, see quinoa flour substitutes for baking.

Both are made from ancient grains that have been traditionally used in South American and Ethiopian cuisine, respectively.

Quinoa flour is made from whole grain, while teff flour is ground from the small, dark brown seeds of the teff plant.

Quinoa flour has a slightly nutty flavor that some compare to spinach, while teff flour has a mild, sweet taste similar to molasses.

When baking with either flour, it's important to keep in mind that they absorb liquid differently than wheat flour, so you may need to add more liquid or leavening agent to your recipe.

Also, quinoa and teff flour can be used interchangeably in most recipes, so feel free to experiment to find the combination that you like best.

3 - Rice Flour

rice flour Save for Later!

Rice flour is a fine, powdery flour made from ground rice.

It's commonly used in Asian and gluten-free cooking and can be substituted for teff flour in many recipes.

Rice flour is lighter and less dense than teff flour, so it may not produce as thick or chewy a final product.

However, it will still add structure and flavor to baked goods.

When substituting rice flour for teff flour, you may need to experiment with the ratio of wet to dry ingredients to achieve the desired consistency - or consult glutinous rice swap ideas for similar textures.

You can also add a bit more rice flour if your dough or batter seems too wet.

Overall, rice flour is a flexible ingredient that can be used in many different recipes.

So if you're looking for a gluten-free or grain-free option, give it a try.

4 - Amaranth Flour

amaranth flour Save for Later!

Amaranth flour is a gluten-free flour made from the amaranth plant.

It has a nutty flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Amaranth flour can be used as a substitute for teff flour in many recipes.

It can be used to make bread, pancakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

Amaranth flour is also a good choice for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

When substituting amaranth flour for teff flour, use a 1:1 ratio - and see amaranth substitute options for closely related swaps.

For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of teff flour, use 1 cup of amaranth flour.

Be aware that amaranth flour is not as light as teff flour, so your finished product may be denser than you are accustomed to.

5 - Tapioca Flour

tapioca flour Save for Later!

Tapioca flour is a gluten-free, grain-free flour that can be used as a substitute for teff flour.

It is made from cassava root and has a similar nutritional profile to teff flour.

When substituting tapioca flour for teff flour, use a 1:1 ratio.

Tapioca flour can be used in place of teff flour in most recipes, including pancakes, waffles, bread, and cakes.

Note that tapioca flour does not contain any leavening agents and will not cause bread and cakes to rise.

If you want a light and fluffy texture, add an extra egg to your recipe or use baking powder or soda.

Tapioca flour is also available in a pre-sifted form, saving you time when baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Teff Flour?

Buckwheat Flour Buckwheat flour is made from the seeds of the buckwheat plant. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Teff Flour.

What works as a replacement in recipes?

Yes. Buckwheat Flour and Quinoa Flour work as direct replacements in most recipes.

Use the same quantity and adjust seasoning after tasting.

Does the substitute change cooking time or temperature?

Usually not, but check moisture content. Wetter substitutes may need a slightly higher temperature or longer cook time to evaporate excess liquid and achieve the right texture.

Is the substitute appropriate for all dietary restrictions?

Check labels carefully.

Many substitutes introduce allergens or ingredients that conflict with specific diets - dairy, gluten, soy, or nuts may appear in processed alternatives.

Many gluten-free batters can take similar pulse-based flours; gram flour substitute roundup. For heartier, chewy loaves, barley flour baking substitutions covers top swaps.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

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Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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