Muffin Mix: Enriched Bleached Flour

Enriched bleached flour is a type of all-purpose flour. It is made by removing the bran and germ from wheat kernels, then bleaching the remaining endosperm with chemicals like chlorine gas to make it whiter and softer. "Enriched" means that iron and several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) have been added back after processing.

Manufacturers use enriched bleached flour as a base ingredient in baked goods because it creates a fine crumb and light texture. It is commonly found in cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes, and quick breads, providing structure to these products.

Enriched bleached flour is a common ingredient in many foods and is generally considered safe by the FDA. The enrichment process adds back some nutrients lost during milling. While it is a source of carbohydrates, excessive consumption of refined grains like bleached flour may be linked to health issues, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans which encourage whole grains.