Flour is one of the most versatile pantry staples out there—and it goes way beyond baking. Whether it’s thickening sauces, coating veggies, or even polishing stainless steel, a bag of flour can do more than you might think.

Here are five unexpected but incredibly useful ways to get more out of your flour stash.

1. Thicken Sauces, Soups & Stews

Plain flour makes a brilliant thickener for gravies, sauces, and stews. Just mix it into a roux (with butter or oil) or make a slurry with water to avoid clumps. It adds body without overpowering flavour.

2. Dust for Dough Rolling

Whenever you’re rolling pastry, pizza dough, or pasta, a dusting of flour keeps everything from sticking. Baker’s flour works especially well here because of its fine texture and higher protein content.

3. Make a Crispy Coating

Use semolina or besan flour to coat vegetables, tofu, or fritters before frying. It creates a crisp, golden shell without the need for breadcrumbs or batter.

4. Clean Stainless Steel Naturally

Believe it or not, a sprinkle of flour on a soft cloth can buff stainless steel to a shine. Use it after a vinegar wipe to polish sinks, taps, and cookware without scratching.

5. Make DIY Playdough or Face Masks

Flour is a key ingredient in homemade playdough—just mix with salt, water, and oil. You can also blend it with yoghurt or honey for a gentle DIY face mask that soothes and smooths the skin.

Give Your Flour More Purpose

Next time you reach for a bag of flour, remember it’s more than just a baking ingredient. From the kitchen to the cleaning cupboard, it’s one of the most adaptable tools in your home.

Explore the full Flour collection at Border Just Foods to stock up on everything from white spelt to lupin, quinoa, and beyond.