Grains & pasta

Sorghum flour, whole-grain

FDC 168943cup (121 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 55 · -9 vs Grains & pasta median

Whole-grain sorghum flour scores 55 of 100, a Fair rating and 43rd of 60 in Grains & pasta. Its mineral density is the headline: magnesium at 29% DV and dietary fiber at 24% DV both rate excellent, with protein and iron each contributing a further 17% DV.

Sorghum flour is a go-to for gluten-free baking, used in flatbreads, pancakes, and as part of blended loaf recipes. A cup (121 grams) delivers 359 calories per 100 grams, 76.6 grams of carbohydrate, and just 1.94 grams of sugar, all with a low sodium footprint of 3 mg per 100 grams. It scores below the grains category median of 64, so millet or triticale are worth a side-by-side look for anyone chasing a higher rank.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around sorghum flour, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 8.4 g · 9%Carb 76.6 g · 83%Fat 3.3 g · 8%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories359 kcal18%
Total fat3.3 g4%
Saturated fat0.53 g3%
Cholesterol-
Sodium3 mg0%
Carbohydrate77 g28%
Dietary fiber6.6 g24%
Sugars1.9 g
Protein8.4 g17%
Potassium324 mg7%
Calcium12 mg1%
Iron3.1 mg17%
Magnesium123 mg29%
Vitamin C0.8 mg1%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.5 mg3%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168943

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Magnesium29% DV
Dietary fiber24% DV
Protein17% DV
Iron17% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the grains & pasta median

Nutrient density55 vs 64 median
Protein / 100 g8.4 vs 11 median
Fiber / 100 g6.6 vs 6.7 median
Sodium / 100 g3 vs 5 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Millet, rawDensity 55 vs 55TriticaleDensity 55 vs 55Wheat, durumDensity 56 vs 55

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Whole-grain sorghum flour is milled from sorghum, a naturally gluten-free grain known in parts of Africa and India as jowar, where it's a staple for flatbreads and porridge. It has a mild, faintly sweet flavor and a fine texture, and because it lacks gluten it's usually blended with xanthan gum or other gluten-free flours for structure in breads and muffins, though it also stands on its own in flatbreads and pancakes. It's also used as a thickener in porridge cooked with milk or water, and its slightly sweet edge means it needs less added sugar than some other gluten-free flours in baked recipes.

Find sorghum flour in the gluten-free baking aisle or bulk bins, and store it airtight in a cool pantry or the freezer to slow rancidity from its natural oils. A 121-gram cup has 359 calories per 100 grams, about 434 calories for the full cup, with 6.6 grams of fiber (24% DV) and 8.43 grams of protein (17% DV), plus a strong 29% DV for magnesium. Sugar is low at 1.94 grams and sodium is minimal at 3 milligrams per 100 grams, making it a straightforward gluten-free flour base for anyone avoiding wheat, or a fiber-adding swap in pancakes and flatbreads.

Frequently asked questions about sorghum flour

How many calories are in sorghum flour?

Sorghum flour has 359 calories per 100 grams; a 121-gram cup provides about 434 calories.

Is sorghum flour gluten-free?

Yes, sorghum is a naturally gluten-free grain widely used in gluten-free baking and traditional flatbreads.

Is sorghum flour a good source of fiber?

Yes, a cup provides about 24% of the Daily Value for fiber, along with 29% for magnesium.

View the USDA source record