5 Best Wheat Germ Substitutes
Wheat germ is the extracted inner core of a wheat grain seed that is normally removed, along with the fibrous husk, when wheat is processed to become refined flour. It can be used in a variety of healthy recipes to replace some of the nutrition that has been lost.
Wheat Germ Substitutes
Wheat germ is high in carbohydrates and gluten, making it unsuitable for low-carb diets; however, flaxseed, wheat flour, bread crumbs, bran, and ground seeds will suffice.
Flax Seed
Flax meal, which is made from ground flax seeds and contains omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, vitamins, and minerals, is a great substitute for those looking to make their recipes healthier. Flax meal is especially good in batch recipes like muffins.
Wheat Flour
If you’re going to use a lot of flour, sift it first to get rid of clumps and keep it powdery and flaky.
Bread Crumbs
This substitution will only work in savory recipes; it will not work in desserts like cakes or pastries.
Bran
Bran, also known as wheat bran, rice bran, or oat bran, can give your baking a soft, crumbly texture. If you want to avoid wheat entirely, opt for the smaller pieces of bran found in cereal grains instead.
Ground Seeds
Pick your favorite seed, whether it’s sesame, sunflower, or something completely different, and simply grind it in a food processor. Seeds are nature’s powerhouses, and they boost the nutritional value of any recipe. Be careful not to over-grind oily seeds like sesame, or you’ll end up with tahini.
What can be substituted for wheat germ?
Ground Sunflower Seeds: Ground sunflower seeds add protein, texture, and fiber to dishes and baked goods in the same way that wheat germ does. They contain less carbs and more fat than wheat germ but have a similar amount of protein.
Can I substitute flour for wheat germ?
You don’t want to go overboard when substituting wheat germ for flour because wheat germ has a stronger flavor that may clash with the flavor of your baked goods; in other words, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of flour, you could substitute up to 1/3 cup of wheat germ.
Do you need wheat germ to make bread?
They’re high in vitamins, nutrients, and oils, which is why the germs are removed during the milling process: the oils can go rancid quickly, reducing the shelf life of the flour. In whole wheat, however, the germ is left in, resulting in a shorter shelf life.
Can you substitute oatmeal for wheat germ?
Oat bran is a simple substitute for wheat germ in baking recipes; the coarse grain adds a slight crunch and pairs well with flour or breadcrumbs.
How do you make wheat germ at home?
You can cook with it as well, substituting wheat germ for some of the flour in your recipes, adding Wheat Germ to baked goods, and using it in place of breadcrumbs for frying. Make sure to keep your wheat refrigerated after opening.
What is the difference between wheat germ and cracked wheat?
Wheat germ is a very small part (1.5 to 2.5%) of a whole wheat berry that is rich in protein and dense with nutrients, and it is a very small part (1.5 to 2.5%) of a whole wheat berry that has been crushed or cut into smaller pieces.
Can you use wheat germ instead of breadcrumbs?
Wheat germ mimics breadcrumbs in terms of moistness and nutty flavor, as well as smoothing out the meat mixture for the perfect consistency. We’ve discovered that you can replace half, or even all, of the breadcrumbs in meatball recipes without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What is the difference between wheat germ and oat bran?
Oat bran and wheat germ both have dietary fiber, but wheat germ has significantly more: oat bran has 6 grams of fiber per one-cup serving, while wheat germ has 15 grams.
How do you buy wheat germ?
Wheat germ is not commonly found in supermarkets, but it can be found in the cereal aisle, usually next to the oatmeal bins, and in most health-food or natural food stores; it may be available in bulk bins, boxes, or jars, so ask employees if you have trouble finding it.
Does wheat germ make you poop?
Whole grains, which contain endosperm, germ, and bran, provide the fiber required for a healthy intestinal bacteria balance, transforming your digestive tract into a pooping powerhouse.
Which is better wheat germ or flaxseed?
Wheat germ and flaxseeds are both high in calories, dietary fiber, iron, potassium, and protein, with flaxseed being an excellent source of calcium. Wheat germ has 55% less saturated fat than flaxseed and more riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6, and folate than flaxseed.
How much wheat germ should I eat a day?
Although there is no official daily allowance for which germ, most supplements recommend taking one tablet or tablespoon per day.
What are the benefits of eating wheat germ?
The germ contains many nutrients, including an excellent source of thiamin, as well as good sources of folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, and some fat. Try sprinkling some on your hot or cold cereal.
How does wheat germ affect bread?
Taste: They’re delicious! The wheat germ adds a hint of “nuttiness” to the bread, as well as a bit of texture to the crumb.
What is wheat germ made out of?
Wheat germ comes from wheat, as the name implies, and is a part of the wheat berry, or whole wheat kernel. You’re probably most familiar with the wheat berry in its ground-up, or milled, form: wheat flour, but the wheat berry does not come off the plant completely pulverized.