Unbleached Unbromated

Unbleached unbromated refers to flour that has not been treated with chemical bleaching agents to whiten it, nor has it been treated with potassium bromate. Unbleached flour naturally whitens over time as it ages, while unbromated flour means the dough improver potassium bromate was not used.

This type of flour is used in various baked goods, such as breads, cookies, and pastries. Manufacturers may choose unbleached flour for its natural color and flavor, and unbromated flour to avoid the use of potassium bromate.

Unbleached flour is generally considered safe, as it simply refers to flour that has not undergone chemical whitening. Potassium bromate, which is absent in unbromated flour, is permitted for use by the FDA. However, California will ban its use in food products starting in 2027. JECFA has stated that potassium bromate is not appropriate as a flour treatment agent and did not set an acceptable daily intake. It is not authorized for use in the European Union.