Wondra flour is less popular everywhere. However, some people genuinely find this flour irreplaceable, especially regarding gravies. But, in situations where you are all out of it, plenty of substitutes can be used! So, let us look at some of the best Wondra flour substitutes!

The best substitutes for Wondra flour that work in most recipes are cassava flour, rice flour, tapioca flour, cake flour, potato starch, all-purpose flour, roux, and whole wheat flour.
Wondra flour is truly something that has yet to catch as much attention as it deserves, at least outside of the United States. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this flour, it was developed by Gold Medal flour back in the early 1960s.
Unlike regular flour, Wondra flour is made from wheat flour and malted barley flour, which is heated and dried. This process is known as ‘pregelatinization.’ The heating process reduces the gluten content in the flour and makes it like instant flour.
This is why it dissolves much quicker than all-purpose flour and most other types of wheat flour. Wondra flour creates thicker and smoother sauces and gravies. Hence, many people prefer Wondra flour over different types of thickening agents.
Hence, it has become a staple for many kitchens over the years. Wondra flour is also often used in baking, as it helps create a flaky crust due to the lower gluten content. But, there can be situations where you can be all out of this beautiful flour.
Moreover, some recipes may specifically call for Wondra flour. However, you may be unable to use it due to gluten intolerance. Whatever the case may be, there is no need to worry. I have mentioned some of the best substitutes that can be used and what recipes they would work best in. So, let’s have a look!
8 Best Wondra Flour Substitutes
Here are some of the best substitutes that you could try in place of Wondra flour in your recipes.
1. Rice Flour

Rice flour is one of the best substitutes that you could use in place of Wondra flour. The best thing about rice flour is that it is entirely gluten-free, a considerable advantage. Moreover, even on its own, it has less protein.
Rice flour can work well in place of Wondra flour in several ways. Rice flour makes an excellent thickening agent, similar to Wondra flour. Moreover, it is also great for breading fried food, which is another bonus. This flour can be used as a substitute for Wondra flour in half the quantity.
2. Cassava Flour

Cassava flour is made with Cassava roots and is another gluten-free alternative to Wondra flour. Like Wondra, cassava flour has a low protein content, making it a lovely thickening agent. It is also great for breading and frying.
Moreover, cassava flour also works well in all gluten-free baked goodies, like bread, cake, cookies, and pie crusts. The only thing with cassava flour is that, unlike Wondra flour; it has a distinct taste.
However, it is less prominent than you may think it would be and is easy to mask. But, to be safer, it is best to start with ⅔ cups of cassava flour to substitute every cup of Wondra flour. Later, you can add more if needed.
3. Tapioca Flour

Tapioca flour is also made from cassava roots. However, making this flour is different, giving it slightly different properties than regular cassava flour.
One of the best things about tapioca flour is that, unlike cassava flour, it is completely tasteless. So, you wouldn’t have to worry about a lingering flavor if added to any of your recipes. Tapioca flour or starch is gluten-free, low in protein, and a great thickening agent.
It can also be used as breading for fried food, mixed with other flour, and added to baked goods, to give them some structure. However, when adding to gravies, it is essential first to make a slurry with equal amounts of cold water.
This is so the flour does not clump together when added to a hot liquid. While using tapioca flour as a substitute for Wondra flour, a direct substitution will work perfectly fine.
4. Potato Starch

Potato starch is extracted from potatoes; as expected, it is also a gluten-free alternative to Wondra flour. Potato starch has a strikingly white color with a chalky appearance. It is very readily available everywhere.
Potato starch can be used as a thickening agent in soups, stews, sauces, and gravies and can also be used in baked goods. However, just like tapioca starch, you may have to mix it along with another flour before adding it to baked goods. A direct substitution will work perfectly fine.
5. Roux

Roux is a thick mixture made with flour and fat. It is one of the bases in several sauces, like bechamel, veloute, and cheese sauce. It is considered to be one of the best thickening agents ever.
This one may only be a substitute for some recipes since it is a thick mixture. So, especially in baked recipes, roux is not the answer. But roux can work like Wondra flour for simple sauces, soups, stews, and gravies.
It is effortless to make a roux. You need to heat a bit of butter or oil, then stir in equal parts of flour. Mix it up together, and your roux is ready. Based on the color of your recipe, you can cook your roux a little longer and make it golden or brown.
6. All-Purpose Flour

If gluten intolerance is not an issue for you and you are just out of Wondra flour, then all-purpose flour is the easiest substitute. The thing with this flour is that it will be present in your pantry.
Moreover, it is very multi-purpose, as it can be used for any recipe under the radar. However, using all-purpose flour might work better than Wondra flour. So, mix a cup of the same with ½ teaspoon of cornstarch.
Cornstarch will give it the right amount of thickening capacity, which can be used to thicken soups, sauces, stews, and more. Moreover, this combination will also work well for baking, especially for flaky pastries. A direct substitution will work perfectly fine.
7. Whole Wheat Flour

Similar to all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour does have gluten. However, this flour is also very multi-purpose and very readily available everywhere. But again, you will have to mix a cup of whole wheat flour with a teaspoon of cornstarch to give it thickening properties similar to Wondra flour.
Another thing to remember with whole wheat flour is that baking recipes like bread and cakes will give you a chewier and denser product. It may not be a bad idea to use it as a substitute, but remember that it may change the final product’s texture slightly.
8. Cake Flour

Cake flour has a much lower gluten content than all-purpose and whole wheat flour, as it is made explicitly for tender baked goods. Due to its lower protein content, cake flour gives pastries and cakes a tender texture and mouthfeel, which cannot be achieved with bread flour.
As it has properties similar to that of Wondra flour, it can be used as a substitute for the same in baking and as a thickening agent. A direct substitution of the two will work perfectly fine in almost any recipe.
Short Recap For Wondra Flour Substitutes
Here is a short recap of the best substitutes you could use in place of Wondra flour based on a few factors. I have also mentioned some substitutes you should consider if you have no other option!
Best Wondra Flour Substitutes For Thickening:
- Tapioca Starch
- All-Purpose Flour
- Rice Flour
Best Wondra Flour Substitutes For Baking:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Cake Flour
- Whole Wheat Flour
Wondra Flour Substitutes That You Should Consider Using Last:
- Cassava Flour
- Roux
How To Use Wondra Flour Substitutes
8 Best Wondra Flour Substitutes That You Need To Try
Ingredients
- Rice Flour
- Cassava Flour
- Tapioca Flour
- Potato Starch
- Roux
- All-Purpose Flour
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Cake Flour
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and make the dish according to the recipe.
Conclusion
Wondra flour may be less prevalent than it is. However, there are a bunch of people that swear by this kitchen staple in several recipes. It may seem like a difficult task to find something that has properties similar to Wondra flour.
Luckily though, even when you run out of this flour at the last minute, a bunch of substitutes can be used in its place. Most of these substitutes are very readily available. Moreover, some might only work for some recipes, but there is an option to substitute every property of Wondra flour.
Which of these substitutes has worked the best for your recipe? Let me know in the comments below! Happy cooking, with or without Wondra flour!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Wondra Flour?
Wondra flour is made from wheat and malted barley flour, heated and dried out.
What is special about Wondra flour?
Wondra flour is a staple in many recipes, as it is one of the best thickening agents. It dissolves quickly and gives a smoother finish to sauces.
Does cassava flour have a very distinct taste?
No, the flavor of cassava flour is subtle. However, it is more distinct than the other substitutes mentioned.
Is roux a good substitute for Wondra flour?
Yes, roux is a good substitute for Wondra flour. However, its uses are minimal compared to the other substitutes mentioned.