Cheap flour - a false economy??

Araboo27

Hi everyone, I have decided to get back into breadmaking and baking for the family instead of wasting a fortune on processed junk

In the past I have always bought 'good' brands of flour thinking that more expensive must equal better results. However, after a quick look on tesco I've noticed that massive price differences -

Tesco strong bread flour - £0.53/kg
Allinson - £1.15/kg

I'm sure the trend would carry on to plain flour, SR etc.

Has anyone baked with the supermarkets own flours and achieved good results??

Thanks

Fosterdog

I only ever use cheap/own brands and have never had a problem

I don't bake very often though, so I'm not the best judge, although if I can get good results by winging it and using cheap flour then anybody who bakes regularly and knows what they are doing should get even better results than me with the same ingredients.

charlies-aunt

I use either Aldi's own brand or Sainsbury's Basics SR and plain flours for pastry, cakes and biscuits - everything turns out great

Could you a blind-taste test to see if you notice any difference?

kittycat204

I always use own brands, never had an issue either.

Araboo27

Well I'm convinced - own brand all the way from now on!! Thanks

Most of the time the food will only be for my immediate family anyway, if it was for a special occasion I could always buy the more expensive stuff? Hopefully there won't be any/much difference in taste anyway...

kittycat204

Araboo27 wrote: »

Well I'm convinced - own brand all the way from now on!! Thanks

Most of the time the food will only be for my immediate family anyway, if it was for a special occasion I could always buy the more expensive stuff? Hopefully there won't be any/much difference in taste anyway...

Come back and tell us if the family notice any difference.

Araboo27

Definitely!! :-)

peachyprice

I don't mind Sainsbury's bread flour but have had disasters with Asda and Tesco, I won't buy those now.

As for SR & plain, I use Sainsbury's Basics, cakes come out fine just not quite so yellowy.

skader

I use Tesco value or Asda smart price flour and have never had any complaints, things always turn out well

meritaten

I use Aldis own brand flour - and though I have only made the 'occasional' bread it turned out fine!
Go on - do a 'comparison' for us - and post the results!

katieowl_2

I bake for a living. Never ever had a problem with own brands. Never.

Kate