If you've come across spelt flour in a recipe or the bulk section and wondered what exactly it is, you're not alone.
Is spelt wheat? Is it gluten-free? What does it taste like? And can you actually use it instead of regular flour?
Spelt is an ancient grain that belongs to the wheat family. When the grain is milled, it becomes spelt flour—a versatile flour with a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor that can be used for breads, muffins, pancakes, cookies, pizza dough and much more.
Here's what you should know before baking with it.
What Is Spelt?
Spelt is a type of wheat that has been cultivated for thousands of years.
You'll often hear spelt described as an ancient grain, a term commonly used for grains that have remained relatively unchanged compared with many modern varieties.
Spelt can be eaten as a whole grain or milled into flour.
What Is Spelt Flour?
Spelt flour is flour made by grinding spelt wheat.
Just as conventional wheat can be milled into different types of flour, spelt can be milled into flour for breads, pancakes, muffins, cookies and other baked goods.
At Life Essentials Refillery, we carry Organic Whole Grain Spelt Flour, which is made using the whole spelt grain.
What Is Spelt Flour Made From?
This is one of the most common questions about spelt, and the answer is surprisingly simple:
Spelt flour is made from spelt wheat.
Whole grain spelt flour uses the whole grain, including the bran and germ.
Our VitaSpelt Organic Whole Grain Spelt Flour contains just one ingredient:
100% organic whole grain spelt flour.
Is Spelt Wheat?
Yes.
Spelt is a species of wheat.
That's important to understand because the words “ancient grain” can sometimes make spelt sound like an entirely different category of food.
It isn't.
Spelt belongs to the wheat family and naturally contains gluten.
Is Spelt Flour Gluten-Free?
No. Spelt flour is not gluten-free.
Because spelt is wheat, it naturally contains gluten.
People who need to avoid gluten should not assume that spelt is suitable simply because it's an ancient grain or an alternative to conventional wheat flour.
What Does Spelt Flour Taste Like?
One of the reasons people enjoy experimenting with spelt is its flavor.
Spelt flour has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty taste.
It's distinctive enough to bring something different to a recipe without having an overwhelmingly strong flavor.
That makes it particularly nice in breads, pancakes, muffins and other recipes where you can actually taste the grain.
What Is Spelt Flour Used For?
Spelt flour can be used in a surprisingly wide variety of recipes.
Try it for:
- Homemade bread
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Muffins
- Cookies
- Quick breads
- Pizza dough
- Crackers
- Other baked goods
If you've never baked with spelt before, starting with a recipe specifically developed for spelt flour can help you get familiar with how it behaves.
Can You Substitute Spelt Flour for Regular Flour?
Sometimes, but it isn't always a perfect one-for-one swap.
Spelt is wheat and can be used in many recipes where you'd normally encounter conventional wheat flour. However, different flours absorb liquid and develop structure differently.
That means swapping flour can change the texture or consistency of your finished recipe.
If you're experimenting, start with a forgiving recipe like pancakes, muffins or quick bread—or choose a recipe specifically written for spelt flour.
Easy Spelt Pancakes
Want an easy way to try spelt flour? Pancakes are a great place to start.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole grain spelt flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1 cup milk or milk alternative
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or neutral oil
Directions
Combine the spelt flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
Add the milk, maple syrup and melted butter or oil. Stir just until combined.
Let the batter rest briefly while your pan heats.
Cook on a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Flip when bubbles begin forming and the edges look set.
Serve with fruit, maple syrup, nut butter or your favorite pancake toppings.
Whole Grain Spelt Flour vs. Regular Spelt Flour
When shopping for spelt flour, pay attention to whether you're purchasing whole grain spelt flour or a more refined spelt flour.
Whole grain spelt flour is made using the whole grain, including the bran and germ.
That gives it the characteristic flavor and texture associated with whole grain flour.
The spelt flour we carry at Life Essentials Refillery is 100% Organic Whole Grain Spelt Flour.
Is Spelt Flour Good for Bread?
Yes, spelt flour can be used for bread.
Because spelt contains gluten, it can provide structure in yeast breads. However, spelt dough may behave differently from dough made with conventional bread flour.
If it's your first time making spelt bread, use a recipe specifically designed for spelt rather than assuming your usual bread recipe will behave exactly the same way.
Is Spelt Flour Good for Pancakes and Muffins?
Absolutely.
In fact, pancakes and muffins are two easy ways to start experimenting with whole grain spelt flour.
Its mild, slightly nutty sweetness works particularly well in breakfast baking.
You can also try spelt in waffles, banana bread and other quick breads.
Why Buy Spelt Flour by Weight?
Maybe you've found a recipe that calls for one cup of spelt flour and aren't sure whether you'll use it again.
You don't need to buy a giant bag.
At Life Essentials Refillery, our Organic Whole Grain Spelt Flour is sold by weight, so you can buy an amount that makes sense for your recipe.
Trying it for the first time? Start small.
Already love baking with spelt? Stock up.
Buying only what you need can also help reduce unnecessary packaging and forgotten ingredients in the pantry.
Where Can I Buy Spelt Flour in Tampa?
Looking for spelt flour in Tampa?
You can find Organic Whole Grain Spelt Flour at:
Life Essentials Refillery
4317 W El Prado Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
Our VitaSpelt flour is USDA Certified Organic, made from 100% whole grain spelt and sold by weight.
You can also order online.
→ Shop Organic Whole Grain Spelt Flour
The Bottom Line
So, what is spelt flour?
It's flour made from spelt—an ancient type of wheat with a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
It's not gluten-free, but it can be used for everything from pancakes and muffins to pizza dough and homemade bread.
If you're curious, buying a small amount by weight is an easy way to experiment without committing to a whole bag.