Vital wheat gluten is often used by commercial bakeries to produce light textured breads, and can easily put the home bread baker on a par with the professionals. Vital wheat gluten is also a staple ingredient for meat and meat substitutes. It acts as a binder for meatballs, meatloaf, veggie burgers and tofu alike.

Is it OK to eat vital wheat gluten?

Seitan Is Nutritious Seitan consists almost entirely of wheat gluten, but it is still a nutritious food that is high in protein and minerals while low in carbs and fat.

Can I use vital wheat gluten instead of flour?

Yes, vital wheat gluten and gluten flour are essentially the same things. The names are used interchangeably. But do remember that you cannot completely replace vital wheat flour in place of regular flour in any baking recipe.

What does adding vital wheat gluten do to bread?

The protein boost provided by vital wheat gluten produces a stronger gluten network, which means the dough becomes more elastic, which in turn results in crispier crusts, chewier bread, a larger crumb, and more pronounced oven spring.

What is the difference between wheat gluten and vital wheat gluten?

Editor: Yes, the two names are used interchangeably. Sometimes seitan is also called wheat gluten because it is made from vital wheat gluten, water, and spices, but when talking about bread recipes, vital wheat gluten flour is what is used.

When should I take vital wheat gluten?

You can add vital wheat gluten to any bread recipe, but it's especially effective when baking with low-protein flours like whole wheat and rye (which have trouble developing enough gluten) or in recipes with a lot of extra ingredients added in like nuts, dried fruit, or seeds.

Why is gluten bad for dieting?

Is there a connection between gluten and weight loss? No. There's absolutely no evidence that simply getting rid of gluten will result in weight loss. But if you eat a gluten-free diet you may make healthier food choices because you're more aware of how to read food labels.

Can I add vital wheat gluten to bread flour?

You can add vital wheat gluten to any bread recipe, but it's especially effective when baking with low-protein flours like whole wheat and rye (which have trouble developing enough gluten) or in recipes with a lot of extra ingredients added in like nuts, dried fruit, or seeds.