Is There Really A difference In Baking Flour?

cuddlesmama · ‎03-11-2010

Not Organic or Gluten Free just regular flour for baking. So many different brands and I was just thinking is there really a difference?I usually just buy the store brand and have had everything come out just fine. Just curious.

hayseed00 · ‎11-24-2011

I always use King Arthur Flour as I bake alot of different breads and rolls, but feel it's just a matter of personal preference. Enjoy your baking!!!

annespan · ‎02-11-2012

I have had the same experience, cuddlesmama. I used to be a devotee of King Arthur Flour but as unbleached flours became more widely available, I found less need to pay substantially more for UB AP flour. Currently I have been using Target's house brand with great results. I do think freshness is a big factor in the results with any flour. I bake a lot so I buy baking staples often and store them in what I think are really awesome containers, "ProKeepers" by Progressive Prepworks.

kitty45 · ‎11-05-2011

I use mostly King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill. When finances are low, I use HEB store brand.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

we have been using almond flour and want to use coconut flour if our store has it. just to test it out. it's worth exploring on line.........

SharkE · ‎08-19-2010

I'd never use that ol' cheap off brand stuff.. Not refined . Seems thicker and heavier. King Arthur bread flour for me and King Arthur all purpose for other stuff. White Lilly, wish I could get. They have it up in Ind where I come from and saw it one time in Walmart down here in Tx. Bought some back with me while on vacation and now wish I had bought 20 lbs.

Gold Medal had a recall one time for some kind of bug infestation. I figure if something costs more they have took more pains to produce it better.

King Arthur are pro cooks figure the best results are obtained from using the best products.

Not worth it to me to save couple of bucks over the long run.

To each his own.

^snowsled.gif

faeriemoon · ‎03-14-2010

I like King Arthur.

~What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.~ William Shakespeare

aroc3435 · ‎09-30-2010

@SharkE Since I don't drive I order certain things online.

In late September in anticipation of the holiday baking season I decided to order White Lily all purpose flour through Walmart.

I got three five pound bags for 8.34 total and received within a few days. Price online today is 7.95 for the three pack offer. I had never used this brand before but had heard about it.

No availability for this brand when I lived in New England. Was used to baking with Gold Medal, Pillsbury, King Arthur, or Bob's Red Mill.

I've been pleased with White Lily. So perhaps you can order at a reasonable price online.

Like you, when I spend time making something I don't want to use off brands--too much work, especially when baking, to have subpar results because of inferior ingredients.

My own baking or cooking errors are different, and sometimes hilarious stories.