• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Salted Plains
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Cookies & Bars
    • Pies, Cakes, & Tarts
    • Ice Cream & Sorbet
    • Treats & Confections
    • Custards & Puddings
    • Drinks & Cocktails
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Entrees
    • Dairy-Free
    • Vegan
    • Savory
    • Travel Adventures
  • #14092 (no title)
  • Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Winter Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Winter Recipes
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Salted Plains » Gluten-Free Basics

    Is Buckwheat Gluten-Free?

    Published: Feb 2, 2023 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Buckwheat is a great pantry staple and is used in a variety of recipes. But is it gluten-free?

    A jar of buckwheat flour sitting on a marble surface.

    Does buckwheat contain gluten? Although the name might make it seem so, the short answer is: No, buckwheat does not contain gluten.

    Jump to:
    • What is buckwheat?
    • Is buckwheat safe for celiacs?
    • What brands are certified gluten-free?
    • Health benefits of buckwheat
    • How to use buckwheat
    • Helpful tips

    What is buckwheat?

    So what is it anyway? It's not wheat and technically it's not even a grain.

    In actuality, it is the grain-like triangular seeds of the buckwheat plant known as common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), a flowering plant closely related to rhubarb. It is considered a pseudo-cereal grain and while not a whole grain, it is regarded as one from a food and nutritional perspective.

    With a nutty flavor, both raw buckwheat groats and flour are perfect pantry items for those on a gluten-free diet. This versatile ingredient works wonderfully in gluten-free baking.

    What are the two types of buckwheat flour?

    Light buckwheat flour as the name suggests has a lighter hue and is made from hulled buckwheat. Hulled buckwheat is when the seed coat has been removed. This makes for fine textured flour with a more subtle flavor.

    Dark buckwheat flour is made from unhulled buckwheat giving it its darker appearance. Because it is ground from whole groats, this type of flour also has more fiber and a more robust flavor than the light variety.

    Buckwheat flour in a bowl on a marble surface.

    Is buckwheat safe for celiacs?

    Since buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or gluten intolerance, can incorporate it into a gluten-free lifestyle.

    If you are concerned about potential sensitivity or cross-contamination, look for brands that are certified gluten-free.

    What brands are certified gluten-free?

    In the United States, the FDA regulates the "gluten-free label" and those products with a "certified gluten-free label" are done by independent organizations with their own set of standards. Most often, these standards are stricter than the FDA's but must meet the FDA criteria.

    While any 100% pure buckwheat flour is naturally gluten-free, some brands manufacture their products in facilities that process other gluten-containing grains and ingredients. If you are concerned about potential cross-contamination, the following are brands that have the certified gluten-free label.

    • Anthony's Organic Buckwheat Flour
    • Anthony's Organic Buckwheat Groats
    • Arrowhead Mills Organic Buckwheat Flour
    • Ployes Light Buckwheat Flour
    • Azure Market Organics Buckwheat Flour

    Health benefits of buckwheat

    Buckwheat is an excellent source of complete protein, fatty acids, essential nutrients, amino acids, resistant starch, lysine, magnesium, and high fiber content.

    How to use buckwheat

    Buckwheat flour acts as a good substitute for whole wheat flour in weight and texture, especially in conjunction with other gluten-free flour like white rice flour and brown rice flour. Buckwheat groats can be used in smoothies, salads, and granola bars.

    There are so many recipes to make with the nutrient-rich flour or groats like delicious pancakes, porridge, crepes, scones, and buckwheat noodles (also known as soba noodles).

    Buckwheat pancakes stacked on a white plate.

    Helpful tips

    • The brand information in this article comes from the brand websites at the time this article was written. Going direct to the brand website is the fastest way to get the most up-to-date allergen information on a specific product.
    • If cross-contamination is a concern, make sure you check the product label for information regarding its gluten-free designation. If it is not clear, always contact the brand directly.
    • Remember, just because a product does not use gluten-containing ingredients, does not necessarily mean it wasn't processed in a facility that produces foods with gluten ingredients.

    Please note: Always check labels as some manufacturers Include gluten or dairy, or process In the same facility as wheat. This article is meant to help aid in highlighting gluten-free products but is not an exhaustive list or medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for best practices and care for your individual needs.

    « Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos)
    Vegan Rice Pudding »

    Share this post:

    Share on PinterestShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tessa! I create gluten-free, real food recipes that are approachable and delicious.

    More about me →

    St. Patrick's Day Recipes

    • Potato Cauliflower Soup with Kale
    • Mint Gimlet Cocktail
    • Gluten-Free Mint Chocolate Brownies
    • Gluten-Free Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

    Popular Recipes

    • Corn Flour Pancakes with Strawberry Compote
    • Healthy Chewy Gluten-Free Granola Bars
    • How to Make Berry Infused Vodka
    • Gluten-Free Brownies (Dairy-Free)
    • Vegan Brazilian Cheese Bread (Gluten-Free)
    • Old Fashioned Bourbon Thyme Cocktail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    Services

    Contact Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases that won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    Copyright © 2022 Salted Plains