Wheat imports have been increasing in developing countries, most of which are in the tropics. Contributing factors are broad availability at low cost, high acceptability of wheat products, urbanization, periodic food shortages, and underdeveloped agricultural systems. Composite flours have the potential to reduce wheat imports by substituting local cereals, starches, or proteins in traditional wheat products. FAO initiated a composite flour program in 1964. Composite flours are successful in developed nations and meet consumer demand for variety and nutrition in the diet. In developing countries, attempted national composite flour programs have not succeeded in reducing wheat imports even though extensive research has indicated that acceptable wheat products can be made with as much as 20–40% substitution with purified starches, 10–30% with rice flour, 5–20% with cereal and root flours, or with 3–15% of proteinaceous flours. Programs attempted in Brazil, Senegal, Bolivia, Colombia, and the Sudan are discussed. Lack of success in developing countries is attributed to: (a) underestimation of the complexity of a national composite flour program and thus the underallocation of adequate management expertise and financial resources; (b) lack of supply of low‐cost, high‐quality nonwheat flours, starches, or proteins; (c) lack of regulatory methodologies and systems; (d) lack of incentives for wheat millers and bakers to participate; (e) entanglement with subsidies and commodity pricing; and (f) impaired baking quality and/or tolerance that makes the baker's job more difficult or exacting. While the outlook for national composite flour programs is poor, there may well be opportunities for specialty composite flour products that meet consumer demand for variety, preference, nutrition, and low cost.