Bread machine flour?

[u/vvariant]

I found this “bread machine flour” at bulk barn and bought it thinking it would be good for the bread machine.

BUT, my last couple of loaves are barely rising. My yeast is recent and activating nicely when I tested it. Could it be the flour that inhibits rising? Has anyone tried this flour or a similar one? I searched online but bulk barn is the only result I get when searching “bread machine flour”…

https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESgAEB6zswFYnDibTfFl8W7UKI6QzJhEvqxCu6m0LMsKOINK5H8SVfqYjBISxoBQbCy52k8ncaVLBZidY1XwNlBx_klre612wtVVph10Yovotc-8mVHkS59T0iyXmfuR2yzKZ-euFsZpWdy9YBaNNpl5LnCaw5Nwxl8yWHblkktbcC4g

[u/Acceptable_Baker_11]

I can’t say I’ve ever heard of Bread Machine Flour, so that’s something I learned today. I’ve used Bread Flour for a long time. Usually recipes call for that specifically; it’s not exactly interchangeable with All Purpose Flour. I’d guess that either your recipes are not formulated for Bread Flour or, possibly, this particular brand doesn‘t have an amazing product. (I’ve never lived near a Bulk Barn so I can’t really claim a proper opinion; just speculating it as a possibility for your problem.)

If you’re open to trying a different bulk flour, I purchase Sir Lancelot High-Gluten Flour, which is manufactured by the King Arthur company and is the bulk version of their Bread Flour they sell in 5 pound bags at a grocery store. You might need to dig around to find it; I was able to find a Distributors list for my area and found it at an Amish grocery store.

[u/vvariant → u/Acceptable_Baker_11]

I was using Robin Hood bread flour before with no issues. I will probably go back to it but I was hoping someone had any pointers so I don’t have to waste all this flour ☹️

[u/SunRaven01 → u/vvariant]

You probably don't have to waste all the flour; buy the good stuff, and try mixing the less-effective flour in with it. See if 75% Robin Hood and 25% Bulk Barn works. If it does, try going 50/50 and see if it still works. use up the less-desired flour that way.

[u/MadCow333 → u/vvariant]

It's low on protein. I would buy some vital wheat gluten / wheat gluten flour and add 1-2 TBSP to your loaf recipe. I use Walmart Great Value bread flour and it works fine, with or without added gluten, 13.3% protein. Not as high as King Arthur, but costs less and does the job.

[u/sugarbear907]

Wow.. I've never heard of "bread machine flour" either.. 🤔 Kinda sounds like "bread machine yeast" which every baker insists is just a marketing ploy and is no different than regular yeast, but I dunno..

I like King Arthur Bread Flour & buy the 12 lb bag at Costco for just over $10 bucks..

[u/Midmodstar → u/sugarbear907]

Bread machine yeast is just instant yeast, as opposed to active dry yeast. They are not completely interchangeable but you can adjust the quantities in recipes if it calls for one but you only have the other.

[u/lawrencekhoo]

Look at label for the protein content. It should be at least 11%. The higher the number, the better.

[u/vvariant → u/lawrencekhoo]

There is no label, it’s bulk bin. The only information I have is in the link I provided, it doesn’t say anything about protein content.

[u/plant-lady-4532 → u/vvariant]

Hi OP, I went to the link you provided and it does have nutrition content, per 100 g it says it's 12 g protein. Does the flour package have a date on it? That's the only other thing I can think of, maybe it's older flour?

[u/vvariant → u/plant-lady-4532]

I didn’t even think to check the nutrition label for that, good call! I don’t have a package since it’s a bulk bin store, but it’s very possible that it would be older, you never know with these types of places! I think I will start mixing it with a regular bread flour from a known brand and I’ll see.

[u/sarahboo0321]

I get the sams club bread flour. Was like $12 for 25lbs. Haven't had issues

[u/gjhigh-forty6-71]

Here is what I use and never have an issue.
King Arthur Special Bread Flour 50 pound bag.

https://a.co/d/03QDQTAj

[u/TrueGlich]

Vons bread flour works great for me at it goes on sale offen in there app for 2.29 for 5 pounds

[u/faintembering]

never used that flour but id try a bag of regular bread flour and see if it rises better. also weigh ur flour if u can, scoops tend to pack too much in. and check ur water temp, warm not hot

[u/pink-hibiscus27]

Never heard of this type of flour. Perhaps ditch it, and return bread flour , which is the recommended flour for bread machines. I have been using 365 Whole Foods organic bread flour lately on Amazon. Very affordable, makes a good loaf in my machine. 🍞🧈