Why Is Flour Sold in Those Hard-to-Open Paper Bags?

By Jim Wieland for Taste of Home

Published on May 16, 2025

Almost everything you find at the grocery store is packaged in plastic. But why is flour still in paper bags as if we’re in the 19th century?

It’s a common experience for home bakers – opening a bag of flour only to have a cloud of white dust spread everywhere. While other foods come in convenient plastic bags, flour remains in paper bags for a good reason. Paper bags allow air circulation, which prevents moisture buildup that can spoil or mold the flour.

Aside from being cost-effective, paper bags are suitable for flour as home cooks often transfer it to sealed containers for storage. To minimize mess when opening a flour bag, it’s best to do it slowly and transfer the flour carefully into a storage container. Storing flour in an airtight container will keep it fresh for a long time.

For a mess-free experience, consider placing the flour bag on parchment or waxed paper before opening it. This will help contain any spills and make transferring the flour easier.

In the end, flour in paper bags serves a purpose and with the right handling, it can be a convenient option for home baking projects.