Is Almond Flour Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Almond flour is minimally processed (Level 1). It is made by blanching almonds to remove their skins and then grinding them into a fine powder. No additives, preservatives, or additional processing is required.
Key Findings
- •Almond flour with one ingredient (almonds) is Level 1 — among the simplest flour alternatives
- •Blanching is a simple hot water process to remove skins, not a chemical treatment
- •Almond flour and almond meal are both Level 1 with identical processing levels
Why Is Almond Flour Level 1?
Almond flour production involves just two mechanical steps: blanching (briefly boiling almonds to loosen and remove the brown skin) and grinding. Some brands skip the blanching for almond meal, which retains the skin. No chemical processing, additives, or preservatives are needed — the product is simply ground nuts. The distinction between almond flour (fine, blanched) and almond meal (coarser, unblanched) is a texture difference, not a processing one. Both are Level 1.
Almond Flour Processing Level Distribution
How 640 almond flour products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 6.6 · Average nutrition score: 6.6/10
Almond Flour Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed almond flour products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super-fine Natural Almond Flour | Bob's Red Mill | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Gluten Free Blanched Almond Flour | Pillsbury | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Gluten Free Blanched Almond Flour | Pillsbury | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Simply Roundy's, Almond Flour Meal | Simply Roundy's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Gluten Free Blanched Almond Flour | Pillsbury | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Super-fine Natural Almond Flour | Bob's Red Mill | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Super-fine Almond Flour From Blanched Whole Almonds, Almond | Bob's Red Mill | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Super-fine Natural Almond Flour | Bob's Red Mill | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Peanut Butter Soft Baked Almond Flour Cookies, Peanut Butter | Simple Mills | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Finely Ground Blanched Almond Flour | Nut Up | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Almond Flour Labels
- 1
Almond flour should list only one ingredient: blanched almonds or almonds
- 2
Almond meal is equally minimally processed — just unblanched and coarser ground
- 3
Avoid almond flour blends that add starches, fillers, or anti-caking agents
- 4
Store in the refrigerator after opening — no preservatives means natural oils can go rancid
Frequently Asked Questions
Is almond flour ultra-processed?
No. Almond flour is Level 1, minimally processed. It is simply blanched almonds ground into flour. The ingredient list should contain only one item: almonds.
Is almond flour better than regular flour?
From a processing standpoint, both plain almond flour and plain wheat flour are Level 1 — both are simply ground from their source ingredient. The choice between them is nutritional and dietary, not a processing consideration.
What is the difference between almond flour and almond meal?
Almond flour is made from blanched (skinless) almonds and is finely ground. Almond meal is made from whole unblanched almonds and is coarser. Both are Level 1, minimally processed — just ground almonds.