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  • 10 Best Bread Flour UK | Allinson's Matthews Cotswold and More 1
  • 10 Best Bread Flour UK | Allinson's Matthews Cotswold and More 2
  • 10 Best Bread Flour UK | Allinson's Matthews Cotswold and More 3
  • 10 Best Bread Flour UK | Allinson's Matthews Cotswold and More 4
  • 10 Best Bread Flour UK | Allinson's Matthews Cotswold and More 5

10 Best Bread Flour UK | Allinson's Matthews Cotswold and More

If you're considering ditching store brought loaves to bake fresh bread at home, you're going to need bread flour, but surprisingly, this wonder ingredient doesn't just stop at bread. Bread flour is excellent at making all kinds of recipes such as rolls, pancakes and pizza dough, but with so many varieties of flour, how do you choose the best one? 


From strong white, malted and whole wheat to gluten-free and organic, there are lots of options when it comes to flour. If this is all completely new to you, don't worry - we've got you covered! This buying guide will help you pick the best one for your needs. We've also included a ranking of the top 10 best bread flours online in the UK, including popular brands like Hovis, Wessex's Mill and Allinson's, available from Tesco, Asda, Amazon and Waitrose.

Last updated 02/02/2025

Quick List - Top Bread Flour

1

Allinson's

Country Grain Bread Flour
Country Grain Bread Flour

The Ultimate Flour That Never Disappoints

2

Matthews Cotswold

Strong White FlourPack of 5
Strong White Flour

Classic White Flour That Supports a Family Business

3

Doves Farm

Organic Malthouse Bread Flour
Organic Malthouse Bread Flour

An Organic Eco-Friendly Mix for a Crunchy Loaf

4

ASDA

Wholemeal Bread Flour
Wholemeal Bread Flour

Fibre-Packed Wholemeal Bread on a Budget

5

Hovis

Granary Bread Flour
Granary Bread Flour

Malted Flour With Added Vitamins and No Rye

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Table of Contents

How to Choose Bread Flour in the UK — Buying Guide

Before you purchase any old bread flour, there are a few things you need to consider. We've compiled this comprehensive guide that includes key tips on strength, variety and allergens to help you choose the best one for you.

1

The Protein Content Is Responsible for How Much The Bread Rises

The Protein Content Is Responsible for How Much The Bread Rises

The protein content (or gluten) in wheat used to make flour determines its strength, from weak to very strong. Bread flour is unique in this regard, as it contains the highest protein content out of all types of flour, which classes it as either strong or very strong. The high gluten content helps bread rise, hold its shape and provides a chewy texture. 


Strong flour has around 11 - 13 grams in every 100 and is good for making pizza bases, soft rolls and standard loaves of bread. Whereas very strong bread flour, which has an even higher protein content of around 14 - 16 grams per 100, produces a higher rise and a crunchy texture. This makes it ideal for baking large crusty loaves and bagels.

2

Consider the Properties and Nutritional Content of Different Varieties of Flour

We've all heard of white, brown and wholemeal bread, but do you know the nutritional benefits of each one? We've listed some key details below, alongside a few tips to help you improve your baking technique.

White Flour Is Easy to Bake With but Spelt Is a Healthier Alternative

White Flour Is Easy to Bake With but Spelt Is a Healthier Alternative

Unsurprisingly, to make white bread, you need to buy white bread flour. It's not the healthiest option as it generally has fewer nutrients and vitamins, but it sure does taste good! Plus, standard white bread flour is also the easiest to bake with as it generally doesn't contain any bran, which can reduce elasticity.


If you're looking for something a little healthier, white spelt flour contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals. It also usually contains slightly more protein, meaning your bread is likely to rise higher, and as a bonus, spelt has a really tasty, sweet and nutty flavour that will be added to your loaves.

Wholemeal and Brown Flour Contain More Fibre

Wholemeal and Brown Flour Contain More Fibre

Adding more fibre and nutrients to your diet is thought to reduce the risk of strokes, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. So, if you're looking to up your healthy intake, switch out white flour for wholemeal or brown. Wholemeal uses the entire grain, meaning it tends to contain the most fibre.


Baking with wholemeal or brown flour is a bit trickier than working with white, but if you're not new to bread making and looking for a challenge, why not give it a go! It is a bit higher in gluten, but the bran can cut protein strands, leaving your loaf feeling a bit heavy. To solve this issue, simply mix it with all-purpose flour!

Use Malted Flour for Creating Seeded Bread

Use Malted Flour for Creating Seeded Bread

Another option is malted bread flour, which can also be called granary or country grain (these are all the same product, just with different names). Malted flour is high in fibre, potassium and vitamin B6 and contains wheat flakes, barley flour and rye. 


The barley flour included helps achieve a higher rise and darker crust, and the added ingredients give the flour a crunchy texture, making it perfect for malt grain loaves - just add a few seeds and nuts, and you're good to go! 

3

Select Organic Flour to Help the Environment

Select Organic Flour to Help the Environment

You'll also find organic flour, which means the grain has been farmed using organic methods without artificial fertilisers or pesticides. Buying organic flour helps protect the environment by cutting back on harmful chemicals and protecting water from pollution, which harms wildlife. Organic farmers also produce less carbon, which can help slow climate change.


But do organic goods taste better? While there's not much solid proof of this, many people believe they do, however, others can't tell the difference. Experiment with your baking and try both non-organic and organic flour to find out which one you prefer.

4

Check Allergens and Find Gluten-Free Alternatives

Check Allergens and Find Gluten-Free Alternatives

The main allergen in bread flour is wheat, although malt varieties can also contain barley and rye, which could be problematic for some. If in doubt, always check the ingredients list - you'll find any allergens in bold, as well as information on if the flour contains traces of any other ingredients that people may be sensitive to.


If you have coeliac disease or a gluten allergy, it doesn't mean you can't make bread, as there are many gluten-free options. These flours contain wheat substitutes like rice, potatoes and tapioca starch instead of wheat. The lack of gluten can make it hard to get the bread to rise, so it's best to follow a gluten-free baking recipe to help.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Bread Flours in the UK

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to see our ranking of the top 10 best bread flours available to buy online. We've got some great picks all from leading UK supermarkets, so let's get stuck in!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Allinson's

Country Grain Bread Flour

Allinson's Country Grain Bread Flour 1

The Ultimate Flour That Never Disappoints

2

Matthews Cotswold

Strong White FlourPack of 5

Matthews Cotswold Strong White Flour 1

Classic White Flour That Supports a Family Business

3

Doves Farm

Organic Malthouse Bread Flour

Doves Farm Organic Malthouse Bread Flour 1

An Organic Eco-Friendly Mix for a Crunchy Loaf

4

ASDA

Wholemeal Bread Flour

ASDA Wholemeal Bread Flour 1

Fibre-Packed Wholemeal Bread on a Budget

5

Hovis

Granary Bread Flour

Hovis Granary Bread Flour 1

Malted Flour With Added Vitamins and No Rye

6

Wessex Mill

White Spelt Bread Flour

Wessex Mill White Spelt Bread Flour 1

Spelt Bread Flour for Light and Airy Bakes

7

Waitrose

Essential Strong Brown Bread Flour

Waitrose Essential Strong Brown Bread Flour 1

A Fortified Flour for Tasty Bread With a Great Texture

8

Freee by Doves Farm

Gluten-Free White Bread FlourPack of 5

Freee by Doves Farm  Gluten-Free White Bread Flour 1

The Perfect Flour for People With Wheat Allergies

9

Tesco

Organic Strong White Flour

Tesco Organic Strong White Flour 1

An Organic White Flour With Added Nutrients

10

Marriages

100% Canadian Very Strong Wholemeal FlourPack of 5

Marriages 100% Canadian Very Strong Wholemeal Flour 1

Canadian Wheat Flour With a Nutty Flavour

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Allinson's
Country Grain Bread Flour

Country Grain Bread Flour 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£1.50
Low Mid
Reference price
£1.50
Low Mid

The Ultimate Flour That Never Disappoints

Allinson's is one of the most popular bread baking brands in the UK, and their flour does not disappoint! It contains wheat flakes, rye and barley flour, which is perfect for making seeded or malted grain loaves. This flour is also particularly high in fibre.


If you want to try your hand at making Allison's official country grain loaf that's both vegan and free-from milk, you can visit the Baking Mad website for the recipe. There's even baking tips on the site to help first-time bakers perfect their loaf!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Matthews Cotswold
Strong White FlourPack of 5

Strong White Flour 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.27
High Mid
Reference price
£15.27
High Mid

Classic White Flour That Supports a Family Business

Matthews is one of the last remaining family-owned specialist flour mills in the UK, so if you buy this flour, you'll be supporting a local family business! You'll get your money's worth, too, as there are 1.5 kilograms of flour in each bag, and with Amazon, they come in packs of 5!


This flour is particularly strong, making it excellent for baking soft white rolls and pizza bases that need a high-protein content to achieve the perfect texture but don't need too much of a rise. You can even mix in seeds for extra flavour!

No.3

Doves Farm
Organic Malthouse Bread Flour

Reference price
£2.00
Mid

An Organic Eco-Friendly Mix for a Crunchy Loaf

This bread flour contains a blend of organic wheat, meaning it hasn't been sprayed with any pesticides or other nasties. By purchasing this flour, you're helping stop chemicals from polluting the water and harming wildlife. It's also completely Kosher.


It contains malted wheat flakes, rye and barley, which will add a pleasant crunchy texture to your bread. However, if you want to make the perfect malted grain loaf, throw in a couple of nuts and seeds to top it all off! 

No.4

ASDA
Wholemeal Bread Flour

Fibre-Packed Wholemeal Bread on a Budget

If you're shopping on a budget, this wholemeal bread from ASDA is as cheap as you can get, and it does a great job at making loaves! This is also an excellent choice if you're looking to add extra fibre into your diet as it contains a decent amount as well as added vitamins.


Wholemeal bread also contains more protein, which will provide a steady release of energy to keep you fuller for longer - a great choice if you're looking to slim the waist. What's not to love?

No.5

Hovis
Granary Bread Flour

Reference price
£2.00
Mid

Malted Flour With Added Vitamins and No Rye

With this flour, you can make the iconic Hovis trademark granary loaf at home! This is one of the only malted varieties that doesn't contain rye, so it's suitable for anyone with a rye allergy or sensitivity. It's fairly healthy, too, as the wheat includes added vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium and thiamin.


It's particularly good for baking large loaves as it contains over 14 grams of protein, which will achieve an excellent texture. Not to mention, Hovis is one of the most popular bread brands in the UK, so you know this flour will do a good job!

No.6

Wessex Mill
White Spelt Bread Flour

White Spelt Bread Flour 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.08
High Mid
Reference price
£7.08
High Mid

Spelt Bread Flour for Light and Airy Bakes

If you fancy trying your hand at making spelt bread, this is an excellent option. This flour's light and airy texture won't weigh down your baked goods and will create a delicious, nutty and sweet flavour that's perfect for anyone who doesn't like bitter foods.


Spelt flour is even thought to contain more minerals such as zinc which is good for both a healthy body and mind. Unfortunately, it is a bit expensive so it might not be the best choice for people trying to save money.

No.7

Waitrose
Essential Strong Brown Bread Flour

Essential Strong Brown Bread Flour 1
Source:waitrose.com
Reference price
£1.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£1.00
Low Mid

A Fortified Flour for Tasty Bread With a Great Texture

The Essential Strong Brown Bread Flour by Waitrose is an excellent choice for creating tasty bread with a wonderful texture. The flour has also been fortified with calcium, iron, thiamin and niacin, making it particularly suitable for older adults, pregnant women and people with restricted diets who are at risk of deficiencies.


It does contain slightly less fibre than some other brown bread flours, so it might be best to choose a different one if you're looking to boost your intake. On a positive note, the flour is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians!

No.8

Freee by Doves Farm
Gluten-Free White Bread FlourPack of 5

 Gluten-Free White Bread Flour 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.23
High Mid
Reference price
£15.23
High Mid

The Perfect Flour for People With Wheat Allergies

If you're looking to make gluten-free bread, Doves Farm has a great free-from range, including this white bread flour. The wheat is substituted with a potato, rice and tapioca blend, making it perfect for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease. 


This white flour makes excellent bread that tastes just as good as wheat-based options. However, the recipe on the pack requires a few tablespoons of sugar to help the bread rise, so it may not be suitable for people trying to cut back on the sweet stuff. 

No.9

Tesco
Organic Strong White Flour

Organic Strong White Flour 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£1.40
Low Mid
Reference price
£1.40
Low Mid

An Organic White Flour With Added Nutrients

Here we have an organic option, ideal for people who prefer eating food that hasn't been treated with pesticides or other harsh chemicals. Being fortified with vitamins and minerals, it's a much healthier alternative to standard white flour, plus it's easy on the wallet too!


Unfortunately, this flour does tend to rise a little less than others as it has a lower protein content, so it's best used for baking things that don't need as much lift, like pizza bases. Overall though, it's a great find with an excellent texture and consistency.

No.10

Marriages
100% Canadian Very Strong Wholemeal FlourPack of 5

100% Canadian Very Strong Wholemeal Flour 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
100% Canadian Very Strong Wholemeal Flour 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.95
High Mid
Reference price
£11.95
High Mid

Canadian Wheat Flour With a Nutty Flavour

To kick off our countdown, we have this bread flour made from Canadian wheat, which is considered one of the best kinds in the world. It has a higher protein content that creates a stretchier dough and has a delicious nutty flavour. This pack includes five bags of flour, so you'll have enough to last a while, even if you bake daily.


However, some people who've brought this flour have been a little disappointed with the use by date, which is a pain if you don't plan on making bread regularly. Still, it's a great flour that makes bread with a delicious flavour and texture.

Summary

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning! We hope you've found our guide useful, and it's given you a few things to consider while you shop for your bread flour. Now, it's time to gather the rest of the ingredients and enjoy your next loaf, fresh from the oven!


Author: Rosa Fairfield

Top 5 Bread Flour

No. 1: Allinson'sCountry Grain Bread Flour

No. 2: Matthews CotswoldStrong White FlourPack of 5

No. 3: Doves FarmOrganic Malthouse Bread Flour

No. 4: ASDAWholemeal Bread Flour

No. 5: HovisGranary Bread Flour

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