Beached Wheat Flour

Bleached wheat flour is made from ground wheat kernels that have been treated with a bleaching agent. This process whitens the flour and affects its protein structure, which can change how it behaves in baking.

Manufacturers use bleached wheat flour primarily in baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries. The bleaching process helps create a finer, softer texture and a brighter white appearance in the final product. It also helps with gluten development, leading to a more tender crumb.

Bleached wheat flour is a common food ingredient in the United States. The FDA considers the bleaching agents used in flour to be safe food additives when used according to regulations. Wheat flour itself is a staple food and not typically subject to additive evaluations by bodies like JECFA or EFSA, though the bleaching agents are. There are no notable controversies regarding the safety of bleached wheat flour at typical intake levels; however, some consumers prefer unbleached flour for various reasons.