Bread Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour: What’s the Difference? (+ Our New 5lb Bags!)

Whether you're baking a crusty loaf of artisan bread or a favorite-family treat, using the right flour can make all the difference. As we launch our new 5lb bags of both Lehi Mills Bread Flour and All-Purpose Flour, we're diving into the key differences between these two pantry staples — so you can bake smarter, tastier, and with more confidence.

Oh, and here’s the best part: our 5lb flours are 20% off just for you with code BAKEBETTER!

 Protein Content & Purpose

The main difference between bread flour and all-purpose flour comes down to protein content.

• Bread Flour is considered a high-protein flour, typically ranging from 12% to 14% protein. That extra protein helps develop gluten, the elastic structure that gives bread its chewy texture and strong rise.

• All-Purpose Flour usually contains 10% to 12% protein, making it more versatile and ideal for tender baked goods like muffins, cookies, and pancakes. With that said, it should come as no surprise that it happens to be the #1 ingredient in all Lehi Mills easy-to-use Premium Baking Mixes.

When to use bread flour: Anytime you want structure, chew, or an open crumb (think baguettes or sandwich loaves).
When to use all-purpose flour: Perfect for soft cookies, cakes, or baked goods where tenderness matters.

Best Recipes for Each Flour

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you choose the best flour for baking depending on your project:

Our flours are made with premium, high-quality wheat, carefully selected and milled to retain flavor and deliver a baking performance you can rely on.

Why Our Flours Are Milled Differently

At Lehi Mills, we believe better flour means better baking. Our wheat is hand-selected and our flours are artisan-milled to preserve natural nutrients, texture, and baking consistency. That means you get a cleaner product with better rise, more flavor, and more dependable results—whether you're baking daily or for special occasions. 

Can You Substitute Bread Flour and All-Purpose Flour?

Yes, you can substitute, but results may vary:

• Using all-purpose flour for bread: Your bread will still rise, but may be less chewy and have a softer structure.

• Using bread flour in place of all-purpose: Cookies or muffins may turn out chewier or slightly tougher, especially if overmixed.

If you're in a pinch, it's okay to substitute one for the other — but for the best results, especially in recipes relying on specific textures (like crusty bread or tender cakes), it's worth using the right flour.

Perfect for Everyday Bakers — Now in 5lb Bags!

We heard you: our 25lb bags are great for serious bakers, but everyday use calls for something more manageable. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our new 5lb bags of both Bread Flour and All-Purpose Flour — the same premium quality, now in a size that’s easier to use, store, and gift.

And all through August, you can try them both at 20% off!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between bread flour and all-purpose flour?

Bread flour has a higher protein content (12–14%) than all-purpose flour (10–12%), which gives it more gluten strength and makes it better for chewy, structured baked goods like bread and pizza dough.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour?

Yes, but expect some textural differences. Bread made with all-purpose flour may be softer or have less chew. You can also add 1–2 teaspoons of vital wheat gluten per cup of AP flour to mimic bread flour.

Is bread flour better for baking?

It depends on what you’re baking! Bread flour is better for yeast-based recipes that need structure. All-purpose flour is better for delicate or tender bakes like cookies, pancakes, or cakes.

What’s the best flour for baking bread?

Bread flour is the top choice due to its higher protein content and gluten development. It helps give bread the signature rise and chewy texture.

What’s the protein content in Lehi Mills flours?

Our Bread Flour contains approximately 12.75% protein, while our All-Purpose Flour is around 11%, making both ideal for consistent, quality baking.

Try It for Yourself – 20% Off All Month

Whether you're a cookie connoisseur or a sourdough starter enthusiast, our 5lb flours are the perfect pantry addition. Stock up now, experiment freely, and taste the Lehi Mills difference in every bite.

We love to get creative in the kitchen and we hope you'll join us. If you decide to try our tips and recipes, we want to see it! Be sure to post a photo on your social media pages, tagging @lehimills, and using the hashtag #LehiMillsFamily or #HarvestToHome for the chance to be featured on our page as well. If you're not already following us on Instagram, Facebook or our YouTube channel, be sure to start to see all our latest recipes and ways to use your favorite Lehi Mills products.