Organic Malthouse Bread Flour 25kg Review: Is It Worth the Bulk Buy?

If you love the rich, slightly sweet flavour of malted bread, you’ve likely come across malthouse flour. It’s a baker’s secret for adding depth and a beautiful crust to loaves. Doves Farm offers an Organic Malthouse Bread Flour in a generous 25kg sack, designed for serious home bakers and small commercial kitchens. But is buying such a large quantity worth it? In this review, we’ll break down the flour’s characteristics, baking performance, storage considerations, and overall value.

Malthouse flour is typically a blend of white bread flour and malted wheat flakes, which give the dough a distinctive flavour and a slightly denser crumb. Doves Farm’s organic version takes this a step further by using certified organic grains. The 25kg sack is a bulk option that promises savings per kilo compared to smaller bags. We tested this flour in several bakes to see how it performs and whether the bulk buy lives up to the hype.

What Is Malthouse Flour?

Malthouse flour is a speciality bread flour that includes malted wheat flakes. The flakes are made from wheat grains that have been sprouted (malted), then dried and rolled. This process develops natural sugars and enzymes that enhance browning and add a sweet, nutty flavour. The result is a flour that produces loaves with a darker crust, a soft crumb, and a distinctive malty taste reminiscent of traditional malted bread.

Doves Farm Organic Malthouse Bread Flour is a blend of organic strong white bread flour and organic malted wheat flakes. It is stoneground, which helps retain more of the grain’s natural nutrients and flavour. This flour is ideal for making sandwich loaves, rolls, and even some sweet breads where you want a hint of malt. Because it contains malted flakes, the dough feels slightly rougher than pure white flour, but it still handles beautifully.

• Stoneground for better nutrition and taste.
• Organic certification ensures no synthetic pesticides.
• Contains visible malted flakes for a rustic appearance.

Baking Performance and Results

We put the Doves Farm Organic Malthouse Bread Flour through its paces with a standard tin loaf recipe. The dough hydrated well, absorbing slightly more water than plain white flour due to the flakes. Kneading was straightforward, though the flakes added a bit of texture. After proving, the dough rose steadily, though not quite as high as pure strong white flour. The final loaf had a deep golden crust with a soft, even crumb. The malty flavour was pronounced but not overpowering, making it perfect for toast or hearty sandwiches.

We also tried it in a batch of dinner rolls. The rolls came out with a beautiful shine and a tender interior. The malted flakes added a pleasant chewiness. For bakers who enjoy experimenting, this flour can also be used in combination with other flours. For example, blending it with a portion of Organic Strong White Bread Flour can give you a lighter texture while retaining the malt flavour. If you prefer a more pronounced wholemeal character, you could mix it with Strong Organic Wholemeal Flour for a heartier loaf.

• Excellent for traditional malted bread loaves.
• Good water absorption; adjust hydration as needed.
• Pairs well with other flours for custom blends.

Value of the 25kg Bulk Sack

The 25kg sack is a significant investment in both money and storage space. At first glance, the upfront cost may seem high, but when you calculate the price per kilogram, it is considerably cheaper than buying multiple 1kg or 5kg bags. For a family that bakes bread regularly, or for a small bakery, this bulk option can lead to substantial savings over time. Doves Farm also offers other bulk sacks, such as the Organic Strong White Bread Flour - 16kg Sack, which is another popular choice for high-volume bakers.

Storage is the main consideration. You’ll need a cool, dry place with an airtight container to keep the flour fresh. The 25kg sack itself is a heavy-duty paper bag with a plastic liner, but once opened, it’s best to transfer the flour into a bin or bucket. If stored properly, the flour can last for several months. However, if you bake infrequently, a smaller bag might be more practical to avoid staleness or pest issues. For dedicated bakers, the bulk buy is definitely worth it.

• Lower cost per kilo compared to smaller packs.
• Requires proper storage: cool, dry, airtight.
• Ideal for frequent bakers or small businesses.

How It Compares to Other Doves Farm Flours

Doves Farm offers a wide range of organic flours, each suited to different baking needs. If you’re after a classic white loaf with maximum rise, the Organic Strong White Bread Flour is your go-to. For a nuttier, wholemeal option, the Strong Organic Wholemeal Flour delivers. The malthouse flour sits in between: it has the strength of white bread flour but with added flavour and texture from the malted flakes.

Another interesting comparison is with spelt flour. Organic White Spelt Flour is lighter and has a distinct nutty taste, but it behaves differently due to its lower gluten content. Malthouse flour, on the other hand, is more forgiving and behaves similarly to standard bread flour. If you enjoy trying different grains, you might also explore Buckwheat Flour for gluten-free baking or Barley Flour for a unique flavour. But for a reliable, flavourful everyday bread, the malthouse flour is a fantastic choice.

• More flavourful than plain strong white flour.
• Easier to work with than spelt or wholemeal.
• Versatile for both savoury and sweet breads.

The Doves Farm Organic Malthouse Bread Flour 25kg sack is a superb buy for avid bakers who appreciate a distinctive malty flavour in their bread. It performs well, offers excellent value per kilo, and is versatile enough for various recipes. If you have the storage space and bake regularly, this bulk purchase will elevate your baking while saving you money. For a lighter alternative, consider the Organic Strong White Bread Flour - 16kg Sack, which is also available in bulk. Happy baking!