Is there a difference between vital wheat gluten and gluten flour?
Michael Hansen
Updated on September 03, 2026
Similarly, it is asked, is high gluten flour the same as 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.
Likewise, what can be used in place of vital wheat gluten? No, there is no substitute for gluten, at all. The gluten + soft flour combination is itself a substitute for bread flour, so if you can get bread flour, as Catija suggested, use it. If you can't, you need another recipe. Especially if your goal is to "not make it complicated", don't use substitutes.
Secondly, can I use vital wheat gluten instead of flour?
No. Vital wheat gluten is NOT the same as gluten flour.
What does vital wheat gluten do to bread?
Vital Wheat Gluten is the natural protein found in wheat. A small amount added to yeast bread recipes improves the texture and elasticity of the dough. Vital Wheat Gluten can also be used to make a vegetarian meat substitute known as seitan.