Definition & Meaning of "bleached flour"

What is "bleached flour"?

Bleached flour is a type of wheat flour that has undergone a chemical bleaching process to whiten its color and improve its texture. This process involves treating the flour with chemical agents such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorine dioxide, which help break down the natural pigments in the flour and create a lighter color. Bleached flour typically has a finer texture and softer consistency compared to unbleached flour. It is commonly used in baking to make cakes, cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. However, some people prefer to avoid bleached flour due to concerns about the potential residues of chemical agents used in the bleaching process.