
Flour is the foundational ingredient in baked goods like cakes and crackers, made by grinding grains, legumes, or other starchy plants into a fine powder. It provides the structural base for dough and batter, with common types including all-purpose wheat flour, whole wheat, and almond flour. Originating from ancient grain processing, it is a global staple in culinary traditions.
Flour is primarily a source of carbohydrates, with moderate protein content depending on the type, and minimal fat unless enriched. It offers key nutrients like iron, B vitamins (especially folate and thiamine in fortified versions), and some fiber in whole-grain varieties, with a typical serving containing around 400-450 calories.
| Calories | 455 kcal |
| Protein | 12.9 g |
| Carbs | 95.4 g |
| Fat | 1.2 g |
| Fiber | 3.4 g |
| Sugar | 0.3 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Iron | 7.0 mg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.7 mg |
| Folate | 240 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 34 mg |
| Phosphorus | 135 mg |
| Selenium | 42 µg |
| Manganese | 0.7 mg |
Per 1 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, flour has been a cornerstone of human civilization for millennia, enabling the development of bread and baked goods that shaped societies. Nutritionally, whole-grain flours retain bran and germ, providing more fiber and antioxidants compared to refined flours, which are often enriched to replace lost nutrients.
Baked goods like cakes and muffins
Baked goods like muffins or cakes
Baked goods like cookies and cakes
Baked goods like muffins and pancakes
Baked goods like muffins or biscuits
Baked goods like muffins, pancakes, or bread
High-protein baked goods like muffins or pancakes
Baked goods like chicory coffee cake