Cream of wheat is a form of milled wheat, also known as farina, prepared as a hot cereal. Cream of wheat is commonly eaten for breakfast.
For those that are growing sick of cream of wheat, or aren’t able to find it at their grocery store there are a number of alternatives.
For those looking at gluten-free cream of wheat substitutes, try cream of buckwheat, cream of rice, oatmeal, or grits.
Mildly healthy, cream of wheat is most known for being a delicious, hot meal – and a great way to start ones’ day. Read on for the history, and viable alternatives if you don’t have access to it.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
1. Cream of Buckwheat
As the name suggests, cream of buckwheat is made from, you guessed it, milled buckwheat. The name ‘buckwheat’ is misleading, as buckwheat isn’t very closely related to wheat. Nevertheless, ground up it still makes for a delicious and hearty hot cereal!
Cream of buckwheat, like many of these alternatives, can be made sweet or savory. Try adding butter to your cream of buckwheat for a hearty, savory dish.
2. Cream of Rice
Considered healthier than cream of wheat, cream of rice does not differ greatly from cream of wheat except in its key ingredient: rice.
Cream of rice can be a bit bland. To make it creamier and give it more flavor, consider making it with warm milk or milk-alternative.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal does not need much introduction, as it is probably the most common hot breakfast cereal today. Talking about oatmeal, learn how to reheat oatmeal.. Popular for generations, oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and one of the healthiest alternatives for cream of wheat.
Oatmeal is a great carrier for both sweet and savory add-ins. Try adding sunflower seeds and almonds for an interesting texture!
4. Grits
An alternative well-known in the American south, grits are made from ground-up corn, butter, and water. Talking about grits, learn how to reheat grits..
Grits are a delicious savory option in the morning, made even better when prepared with milk and cheese. Add a fried egg on top and you’ve practically got a gourmet meal!
Other Alternatives
Feeling adventurous? Try one of the following options as an alternative to cream of wheat to switch things up.
5. Quinoa
Quinoa is high in fiber and low in fat, and a superfood providing all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is also high in protein, making it an excellent grain with which to start your day.
Quinoa can be eaten hot or cold, both as a savory breakfast food, or a delicious addition to a lunch or dinner. You can also combine hot quinoa and oatmeal – an incredibly healthy meal.
6. Tapioca
A starch extracted from the cassava root, tapioca porridge made with milk, or a milk alternative is a delicious substitute for cream of wheat that will keep you full up for hours.
