what is really the difference between supermarket economy flour and branded flour?

Question

I tend to buy organic free range eggs for obvious reasons, lucky me I can afford that, but i was looking at the cost differences between supermarket economy flour and the leading branded flours and I was surprised at the cost differences: Even in the supermarket they have regular supermarket brand 34p/Kg and economy 21p/Kg thats a 10p per kg difference for the powdery white stuff but branded plain flour comes in at anything from 50p to 110p /Kg. Now I know arguably there are some direct costs involved in advertising certainly we the supermarkets dont advertise individual own frand economy produce with tv inserts where as a brad company might, but come on help me out is it really all profit? am i getting a better flour for 5 times the price ?

I used a supermarket that states it doesnt use GM products and I also assume that one cant be cruel in raising flour and a field is a feild to an ear of corn!

Answer 1

Most generic products are made by the same companies, in the same plants, that make the brand-name stuff. (Case in point: last year, PeterPan peanut butter and Wal-mart's house brand were recalled. They're made by the same plant.) I tend to go with - if the first few ingredients are the same, go with the generic, because most of the time, there's no real difference. (Some things - like potato chips - differ in taste, but that's really it.)

Answer 2

I believe the real difference is the way the product is harvested. The premium stuff is only harvested when all of the planets are aligned and there is a half moon. The generic stuff is harvested any old time. The difference in these methods is how loud the screaming is when the plants are so cruelly cut down and discarded like so much garbage. To us, any old time is fine, but to the crops, it is the Apocalypse...damn the farmers, they intentionally use dull blades on these poor unsuspecting crops...and don't even start me on cotton...many people actually have the nerve to turn this helpless plant into clothing----the shame......:)

Answer 3

Flour is a commodity product. There is no difference other than price. In fact, the supermarket brand flour is probably produced by the name brand miller. Buy cheap on flour, sugar and other commodities -- and save your money for the products where it makes a difference.

Answer 4

I bake a lot and have never noticd even a faint hint of a difference in either flavor or performance between any of the brands of white flour.

Answer 5

The difference is the price. Some may sell different size packs, if you have a storage issue or don't use it quickly. Some manufacturers package the same items for various retailers.

Answer 6

I think the correct answer is, about $1.00.