Where to Buy Garbanzo Bean Flour: A Complete Purchasing Guide

Garbanzo bean flour, also known as chickpea flour, is quickly becoming a popular staple ingredient for home cooks. With its nutty flavor and smooth texture, garbanzo flour is incredibly versatile. It can be used to bake delicious gluten-free goods, make veggie burgers, bread savory flatbreads, thicken stews and sauces, and so much more.

But where can you buy garbanzo bean flour to start enjoying it in your own kitchen? This complete purchasing guide will cover everywhere you can find it, from grocery stores to online retailers. We’ll also share tips on how to select the highest quality garbanzo flour for your cooking and baking needs.

Checking Grocery Stores for Garbanzo Flour

For maximum freshness and the ability to see, smell and touch products before buying purchasing garbanzo flour from a grocery retailer is a great option. Here are the most likely places to find it stocked in stores

Bulk Bins at Health Food Stores – Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts and Earth Fare often have large sections of bulk bins where you can purchase precisely the amount of garbanzo flour you need, saving money and avoiding waste. Scoop some into a bag or container and try it out

Baking Aisles – Check the aisle with baking essentials like flour, sugar and leaveners. Quality brands like Bob’s Red Mill may package garbanzo flour alongside other gluten-free flours

International Foods Section – Since garbanzo flour is essential in many Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines, check the ethnic food aisle for chickpea flour from these regions.

Asian Foods Section – Garbanzo bean flour is also popular in Asian cooking. Look for it near other Asian ingredients and packaged goods.

Organic and Dietary Section – As a high protein, gluten-free ingredient, you may find garbanzo flour alongside other specialty diet products like organic, paleo, keto and vegan items.

Searching Online Retailers and Specialty Stores

If you can’t find garbanzo bean flour locally, purchasing online is convenient and provides the widest selection. Here are top places to buy garbanzo flour online:

Amazon – As the largest online retailer, Amazon carries dozens of garbanzo flour options from leading brands available for fast shipping.

Vitacost – This healthy living retailer sells high-quality chickpea flour perfect for gluten-free and grain-free diets.

Thrive Market – Specializing in dietary and organic products, Thrive Market stocks great garbanzo flour for members.

Nuts.com – For amazing prices on nuts, grains and legumes, Nuts.com has garbanzo flour available in bulk.

Netrition – Shop garbanzo flour on this specialty site for low carb and ketogenic diets.

Bob’s Red Mill – The gold standard in gluten-free flours, Bob’s Red Mill’s site lets you buy stone ground garbanzo flour directly.

Swad – For authentic chickpea flour from India, where it’s a dietary staple, check Swad’s online shop.

Specialty Groceries -Middle Eastern, Indian and health food online grocers often carry garbanzo flour.

What To Look For When Buying Garbanzo Bean Flour

To ensure you get the highest quality garbanzo flour for cooking and baking success, keep these tips in mind when purchasing:

• Seek stone ground for the best texture. Steel-cut flours can be gritty.

• Choose organic garbanzo flour when possible to avoid pesticides.

• Check for gluten-free certification to guarantee safety for celiacs.

• For digestive health, select whole garbanzo flour over besan (split and skinned).

• Look for non-GMO verification to ensure heirloom chickpeas.

• Seek brands that state no additives or preservatives for purity.

• For freshness, buy from stores with good turnover or online shops selling the current year’s flour.

With attention to these quality details, you’ll end up with the very best garbanzo bean flour for your home cooking needs.

How Much Garbanzo Bean Flour Should You Buy?

Because garbanzo flour has become so popular lately, you may see it sold in several sized packages. Here are some tips on quantities to buy:

• For trying it out, start with a 1 lb or 16 oz package of garbanzo flour.

• Bakers may want 2-3 lb or larger bags for making several recipes.

• Buy 5-25 lb bags for a household that cooks with garbanzo flour regularly.

• Check bulk bins to purchase the exact amount needed for a recipe to avoid waste.

• Split large bags with friends or freeze extra garbanzo flour in airtight containers if buying in bulk.

Start small if you’re new to garbanzo flour. But buying in larger quantities can save significantly if used frequently for gluten-free baking and cooking.

How Much Does Garbanzo Bean Flour Cost?

Pricing for garbanzo bean flour can range quite a bit depending on quantity, quality, and source. Here are some average costs:

• Garbanzo flour from the bulk bins runs around $2-3 per pound.

• Most 16 oz packages of garbanzo flour cost $3 to $5.

• When buying 2-5 pound bags, expect to pay around $2-3 per pound.

• Larger bags of 25 pounds or more go for $1-2 per pound.

• Organic and specialty garbanzo flours are $1-2 higher per pound.

• Online prices may be 20% lower than in grocery stores.

Compared to all-purpose flour, garbanzo flour costs a bit more due to smaller production. But it lasts wonderfully, so the extra cost per pound is worth it for the flavor and health benefits!

Storing Garbanzo Bean Flour Properly

To keep garbanzo flour as fresh as possible for months after purchasing, be sure to:

• Keep garbanzo flour in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

• Store in the refrigerator for max freshness, especially in humid climates.

• Freeze extra flour in airtight bags if buying in bulk.

• Use within 6 months for the best flavor, texture and nutrition.

• Don’t store near heat or garbanzo flour can become rancid quickly.

With proper storage methods, your garbanzo flour will stay fresh for all your gluten-free recipes and meals!

Time to Try Garbanzo Bean Flour!

Now that you know where to buy garbanzo bean flour both locally and online, it’s time to start enjoying this amazing ingredient! Garbanzo flour is incredibly nutritious, protein and fiber-rich, naturally gluten-free and full of culinary potential.

Start with small bags from the grocery store to test it out, then move up to larger bulk purchases once you fall in love. Look for stone-ground, organic brands for optimal quality. Store airtight in cool, dry places.

Then get busy mixing up gluten-free baked goods, breads, veggie patties, falafel, and so much more with your garbanzo flour. This tasty and versatile flour is a smart addition to any kitchen. With the tips in this guide, you’ll become a garbanzo flour pro in no time!