Wafers: Bleached Wheat Flour

Bleached wheat flour is a type of flour made from milled wheat grains that has been treated with chemical agents to whiten it and change its baking properties. This process helps to age the flour quickly, making it whiter and giving it a finer, softer texture.

Manufacturers use bleached wheat flour to create baked goods with a tender crumb and light texture, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries. The bleaching process also helps the flour absorb more liquid, which can improve the structure and volume of certain products, like the wafers in ice cream sandwiches.

Bleached wheat flour is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. The bleaching agents used are approved food additives, and their use is regulated. Some consumers express concerns about the chemicals used in the bleaching process, but scientific bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated common bleaching agents and found them safe for use at approved levels.