Is Rice Flour Gluten Free?

Why “glutinous rice flour” is gluten free

This trips up everyone. “Glutinous rice” — also called sticky rice, sweet rice, or mochi rice — refers to varieties of rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa) with very high amylopectin content, which makes them sticky when cooked. There is NO wheat gluten in glutinous rice or its flour.

Brands of glutinous rice flour to know:

• Mochiko (Koda Farms Blue Star) — GF certified
• Erawan Sweet Rice Flour — naturally GF
• Bob’s Red Mill Sweet Rice Flour — GFCO certified

White vs brown rice flour

• White rice flour — milled from polished white rice. Neutral flavor, brittle texture in baking. Common in 1:1 GF flour blends.
• Brown rice flour — milled from whole-grain rice with bran intact. Heartier, nuttier, more nutrient-dense. Best for breads and pancakes.
• Glutinous/sweet rice flour — for chewy textures, mochi, dumplings, GF noodles, and as a thickener in sauces.

GF-certified brands

• Bob’s Red Mill (all rice flours, GFCO)
• Anthony’s Organic Brown Rice Flour
• Authentic Foods Superfine Brown Rice Flour
• Koda Farms Mochiko