Flour Shortage - Did You Know?
In the News
I heard an interesting fact about the flour shortage in shops recently. Did you know it has nothing to do with the availability of flour? Around 90% (possibly more) of the flour produced is used by industry so an increase in demand from consumers would not be an issue. However, they are struggling to keep up with the production of packaging. Factories etc obviously get it delivered in big sacks etc but the production of the small bags used for shop sold flour is not keeping up with demand.
Now you know.
There is no flour shortage https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52212760 It's a packaging problem. This was 3 weeks ago.
Has been quite difficult to get.
In my local Morrison's last week they were weighing out smaller bags of flour on the bakery counter from large sacks and selling them which i thought was a good idea.
They also have large trays of loose eggs priced at 20p each, They give you a smaller box and you pick how ever many you want.
I can remember as a kid helping out in my gran's corner shop. Everything was sold like that. We had scales and had to weigh out everything like sugar, flour rice etc. We even cut cheese to order with a wire and of course sweets were weighed out into paper bags, corners twirled and handed over.
I didn't know about the packaging. I've been ok but my friend has really struggled to get some.
Dennab Going mad in lockdown and my dealer doesn't have the gear. Desperate for a small bag of white powder if you can do a deal. Quality and quantity not a problem....self raising or plain.
lilyflower I'd have to lace it with washing powder, Nesquik and chalk dust but may be able to sort you out.
Interesting. I had wondered why there was such a shortage - couldn't be that everyone suddenly started baking everything.
So the flour is not short just they do not have paper bags...maybe put in boxes....plastic bags?
AgnesFaludi You can't just change a production process for a short term shortage. Remember it'll be done by machines.
Yeah our village shop is buying large sacks and repackaging in paper bags with their own labels on them. I guess communities could do something similar.
ClaireF1978 It's not a bad idea if they can do it hygienically. I suppose any business dealing with fresh food could do it.
The factories could set aside a part of building to sell on site using any receptacle or bring your own container. They would only need scales. It would be no less hygienic than calculus being poured into doubtful looking machinery and then automatically bagged. Flour is not eaten raw so high temps when cooking should take care of most everyday stuff.
Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community
Chief Bargain Hunter
