Is Plain flour (wheat) Gluten Free?

Contains Gluten
Wheat flour is made from wheat grains and contains gluten.
Wheat flour (all-purpose flour) is ground from wheat berries. Wheat is a major gluten grain. Almost all plain flour sold is wheat-based and contains gluten.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid wheat flour entirely. Use gluten free flour alternatives.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance. Wheat flour must be avoided.

Why Does Plain flour (wheat) Contain Gluten?

Wheat is one of the three main gluten grains (wheat, barley, rye). Gluten is the primary protein in wheat.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires labelling. Most Australian plain flour is wheat-based and not GF.

United States (FDA)

FDA requires labelling. Most US plain flour is wheat-based unless marked GF.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g ยท Typical serve: 100 g (all-purpose)
Energy1523 kJ / 364 kcal
Protein10.3g
Fat, total1.0g
Saturated fat0.2g
Carbohydrate76.3g
Sugars0.3g
Dietary fibre2.7g
Sodium2mg

Source: USDA FDC. Values are for the generic food in its standard form. Branded products may vary. Always check the product label for the most accurate nutrition information.

What to Watch For

Assume all plain flour is wheat-based and contains gluten unless explicitly marked as gluten free.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Almond flour, rice flour, coconut flour, buckwheat flour, gluten free flour blend.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information about gluten content, not medical advice. If you have coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, always consult your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before making dietary changes. Product formulations change. Always read the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Plain flour (wheat) gluten free?

Wheat flour (all-purpose flour) is ground from wheat berries. Wheat is a major gluten grain. Almost all plain flour sold is wheat-based and contains gluten.

Can coeliacs eat plain flour (wheat)?

Avoid wheat flour entirely. Use gluten free flour alternatives.

Related Foods in Baking Ingredients

Self-raising flour Bread flour Almond flour or meal Rice flour Coconut flour Tapioca starch or flour Potato starch Cornflour or cornstarch

More from RefDat

Need to convert recipe measurements for gluten-free baking? RefDat cooking converters cover cups to grams, tablespoons to millilitres, and more. For oven adjustments see the temperature converter. Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of stand mixers for coeliac-friendly options.

How We Verify This

Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.

Sources

FSANZ labelling, Coeliac Australia

Last reviewed: May 2026