Flour, Grains & Baking Ingredients: Calories

Types and Calorie Content

Flour and grains have been staple food sources and products used throughout time by many different cultures. Some diets propose omitting these grains altogether, while others encourage their inclusion for a wholesome balanced diet. There are, of course, some options that are considered more beneficial for the body than others.

Overall, whole grains tend to have around the same amount of calories as their refined counterparts but have more nutritious benefits.

Staple Baking Ingredients

In addition to flour and grains, there are also other ingredients that play an essential role in your baking routine. In fact, you can probably find most of them in your pantry at this very moment! If you need your flour to rise, there are plenty of baking ingredients, such as baking soda, baking powder and yeast, that can get the job done. Recipes don’t usually require a large amount of these products, so they won’t add very many calories. Baking ingredients meant to add flavor and aroma to recipes, however, can easily increase the calorie contents. These include items such as sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Make sure to find a balance here to avoid increasing the added sugars and calories when baking.

Eggs are also a staple baking ingredient for many recipes. While most recipes will use chicken eggs, eggs from other animals, such as turkey or quail, can also be found in some recipes. Eggs are a great source of protein and other nutrients and, in moderation, can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet.

As mentioned above, some diets recommend avoiding flour and grains altogether, while others highlight their importance. In either case, it is always worthwhile discussing any dietary changes with a medical professional or dietician. What are some creative ways you’ll enjoy some extra flour and grains in your baking this week?