Product Review: Bob's Red Mill Ground Flaxseed Meal

When it comes to baking I'm always eager to try out new recipes.  I love trying to use natural ingredients to make something simple and yummy.  I also like the challenge of baking without eggs.  Even though there aren't any egg allergies in our family (not since Ryken was 1 at least) it's an ingredient I feel like I can do without if I get creative. 

To help matters for me, there is Bob's Red Mill Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal.  Made only with flaxseeds, it's a nice natural food in my opinion.  Here is how to use it as a substitute for eggs:

1 egg = 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons of water, mixed well

It's recommended to only replace up to 3 eggs with flaxmeal/water. I use this mixture regularly in muffins, cakes, biscotti, and pancakes and in savory ground meat dishes such as meatloaf and dumplings.  I've also read (but haven't tried) adding 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder for each flaxmeal/water to retain the leavening effect that you would normally get by using real eggs. 


Flaxseed is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, essential acids that promote brain function and reduce the risk of heart disease.  Bob's Ground Flaxseed Meal is free of the 8 most common allergens and high in fiber. One 16-oz bag contains 68 tablespoons.  That's more than 5 dozen egg replacers in one bag!  Besides acting as an egg substitute, I also like slipping in a tablespoon or so of flaxmeal to oatmeal, cereal, batter or dough of any kind.  Who couldn't use the extra boost of brain food?

Bob's Red Mill is making its way onto market shelves everywhere.  In recent years it's been easier to find their products around my town at Raley's, Safeway, Whole Foods, and even Target.  The best price I've found for their ground flaxseed meal is at Trader Joe's for about $2.70, almost half of the cost of a bag at my local Safeway.  The company has an impressive line of baking products including many gluten-free flours made from beans, tapioca, sorghum, and amaranth to name a few. 

If you can't find Bob's products where you are or want to save by buying in bulk, check out Bob's Red Mill website for their complete product line.  Buying by the case straight from the company really does make sense especially if you regularly bake in a gluten-free kitchen.