Cheap flour - a false economy??

Maryanneslapcabbage

pws52 wrote: »

I use Lidl bread flour and never had a problem. I have used Tesco and Asda own brand bread flour and had problems.
I use Lidl or Aldi plain and self raising flour and find them both fit for purpose!
Hope that helps.

Me too. I used to buy the premium brands but have switched to Lidl's own bread flour and their plain flour.
Just as good as any other in my opinion.

floss2

I too am a p/t baker - I'm all for using the value ranges and never had any problems.

katieowl wrote: »

We do a lot of vegan/dairy free stuff to, and I always use Vitalite for that, it's not the cheapest either, but it is the best behaved...

That's handy to know, thanks!

dawn_rose

Own brand here and never have any complaints from the hungry hoards x

StarMummy_2

i only ever use basic/value plain flour. never use self raising just add baking powder that way i dont have two big bags taking up space in my cupboards and i find sponges etc actually turn out lighter i just use value/basic butter and trex for buttercream (something i discovered when i went vegan for lent this year) it doesnt taste sickly like butter and takes colouring and flavouring a lot better, also it doesnt melt in a hot kitchen like normal buttercream so cupcakes look better for longer and stay fresher for longer

StarMummy_2

oh and try vegatable oil in cakes, especially chocolate cakes, a lot cheaper than butter and makes cakes nice and moist, lower in sat fat and vegan

busiscoming2

I've used the cheap flours for years, mainly Tesco and Aldi and found them fine. I use vitalite or dairyfree spread in my cakes and pastry. They look and taste fine, no one has ever commented negatively about them.

peachyprice

Having previously read good things on here about Aldi bread flour I went to get some in my nearest store, that isn't near at all really, but all they had is Allinsons. Do they always have their own in stock in most stores?

Grouchy

I've experimented with both and didn't see a big difference with things turning out ok.
However, as regards to taste there is a big difference in my opinion. The budget flours taste a bit flat and not as flavoursome as say Allinsons - I generally buy good quality brand flour in bulk when on offer.
I love my food and take time in its preparation so I want it to be as best as it can be and that includes best flavour possible so I go for good quality brand flours.
May be worthwhile doing a side by side taste test for yourself.

Good luck.

tronator

MrsAtobe wrote: »

The cheapest . Currently Sainsbury's basics.

That's by far not the cheapest. Lidl's butter is 98p for ages whereas Sainsbury's butter is £1.20. That's more than 20% dearer :eek:

Justamum

Araboo27 wrote: »

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

I always use Tesco Strong Bread Flour. I make about 12 loaves a week! Is it on special offer at the moment? Last time I bought any it was about £1.08 for 1.5kg.

For cakes, pastry etc I use Tesco Value flour.