A favorite site, www.thekitchn.com, has a section called Ingredient Intelligence, and it was on there that I first learned about quinoa FLAKES. We all know about using quinoa as an alternative to rice. But quinoa as a FLAKE? Here’s what the Kitchn’s Ingredient Intelligence taught:


What are quinoa flakes, exactly? They’re a gluten-free, high-protein whole grain that can do everything rolled oats can — and then some.

Quinoa is a seed that is harvested from a tall, leafy plant that is not a cereal grass. It’s a relative of spinach, beets, and chard. Some smart person figured out this seed could actually be pressed.

Each little quinoa seed is rolled flat to make a flake, just like an oat groat is rolled out to make a rolled oat. That means quinoa flakes have all the same great properties of quinoa: gluten-free, high in plant-based protein, and full of good fiber.


Rolled oats contain a similar amount of protein as quinoa flakes — five grams versus six grams in a 1/2 cup of dry cereal — but the protein in quinoa flakes is more valuable. Quinoa flakes are a complete protein, which means they contain all the essential amino acids the body can’t make on its own. These essential amino acids are used to provide energy, build and repair tissues in your body, and more.

This rich form of protein is abundant in animal sources, but hard to come by in plant-based sources (quinoa is one of the few). The protein in oats is incomplete, meaning it contains only some of these essential amino acids.

Since quinoa flakes are flat, they mimic the texture of rolled oats. They also are incredibly quick-cooking because they’re so small and thin. For both of these reasons, they can be cooked up into a great breakfast porridge.


Their size also makes them less distinguishable in baked goods than rolled oats, so they can be added to your favorite brownie recipe for a protein boost (without affecting texture). They can be used in place of panko or breadcrumbs when breading chicken. They can be used as a binder in meatloaf, and they also make an excellent binder in treats such as no-bake cookies.

Quinoa flakes can be tricky to track down; not every grocery store carries them. But you can find them at Whole Foods, health food stores, and online. A good online source is amazon.com, for Ancient Harvest Quinoa Flakes, $12.99 for 12 ounces. That seems like an expensive product. But a little goes a long ways, so the cost factors out. And considering their health benefits, these flakes are probably worth the price.

If I’ve peaked your interest, here’s a GLUTEN-FREE breakfast recipe to try from the great site, www.healthfulpursuit.com , created by Leanne.