Chocolate Wafer Ingredients: Bleached Wheat Flour

Bleached wheat flour is made from ground wheat grains that have undergone a chemical treatment process. This process uses agents like benzoyl peroxide or chlorine gas to whiten the flour and modify its protein structure. The treatment results in a finer texture and improved baking characteristics compared to unbleached flour.

Manufacturers use bleached wheat flour to produce baked goods with a softer texture, brighter color, and increased volume. It is commonly found in products such as cakes, cookies, pastries, and some types of bread. The bleaching process can also influence how the flour absorbs liquids and contributes to the final rise of baked goods.

Bleached wheat flour is a widely used food ingredient in the United States. The FDA permits the use of specific bleaching agents, such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorine gas, in flour. These agents are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved as food additives when used within regulatory limits. Some consumers have raised concerns about the chemicals involved in the bleaching process, but regulatory bodies like the FDA consider them safe at permitted levels. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated the safety of various flour treatment agents, including some used for bleaching, and have affirmed their safety for use.