What brand is 00 flour? Understanding the Italian Milling Standard

November 10, 2025 •

2 min read

Italian flour is graded by fineness, not protein content, with '00' indicating the finest possible grind. This means that asking what brand is 00 flour? is a common misconception, as there are many brands producing this finely milled product for various culinary applications.

Quick Summary

The term '00 flour' refers to an Italian milling specification, not a single brand. Popular producers include Molino Caputo and King Arthur, each with distinct nutritional properties and best uses for different recipes like pizza and pasta. The choice depends on the desired culinary outcome.

Key Points

Not a Brand: 00 flour is an Italian milling classification for fineness, not a specific brand, and many companies produce it.
Leading Brands: Well-known brands producing 00 flour include Molino Caputo, King Arthur Baking Company, Cento Anna, and Molino Grassi.
Diverse Products: Specific brands offer different versions of 00 flour with varying protein levels tailored for specific baking needs, such as pizza versus pasta.
Baking Outcomes: The fine grind of 00 flour creates a light, delicate dough that is ideal for thin-crust Neapolitan pizza and silky fresh pasta.
High-Temperature Baking: Some 00 flours, like Caputo Pizzeria, are formulated for very high temperatures to create the classic blistered crust.
Nutritional Considerations: As a refined flour, 00 flour has less fiber than whole wheat. However, it can be part of a balanced diet when incorporated into homemade meals.
Choosing the Right Flour: The best 00 flour depends on your specific recipe and oven type, so it is important to check the product's intended use and protein content.

Demystifying the Double Zero: More Than Just a Name

One of the most frequent misconceptions in baking circles is treating "00 flour" as a brand name, when in fact, it is an Italian grading standard. Unlike the American system, which categorizes flour by its protein content (like all-purpose or bread flour), the Italian system ranks flour by how finely it is milled, from the coarsest 'tipo 2' to the finest 'tipo 00,' or 'doppio zero'. This incredibly fine texture is what gives the flour its characteristic silky, powdery feel, essential for creating delicate pasta and classic Neapolitan pizza crusts.

Because it is a classification and not a brand, many flour producers offer their own versions of 00 flour, each with variations in wheat blends and protein content tailored for specific uses. Understanding these differences is key to achieving optimal results in your home cooking and baking.

Leading Brands of 00 Flour

While Molino Caputo is perhaps the most famous and widely recognized Italian brand, many other companies produce high-quality 00 flour, each with its own specific formulation and purpose.

Molino Caputo

Molino Caputo is a well-regarded Italian brand offering various 00 flours. Their products are often tailored for specific uses like high-temperature pizza making or more general baking and pasta.

King Arthur Baking Company

King Arthur provides a 00 pizza flour milled from American wheat, suitable for home ovens.

Other Notable Brands

Other producers include Cento Anna Napoletana, Molino Grassi, and Mulino Marino, offering various 00 flour options.

Nutritional Considerations and Healthier Choices

As a refined flour, 00 flour has less fiber than whole wheat. It can be part of a balanced diet when used in homemade dishes. Blending with whole-grain flours can increase fiber.

Choosing the Right 00 Flour for Your Recipe

The best 00 flour depends on your recipe and equipment, particularly the type of oven you are using.

Comparison of Popular 00 Flours

A comparison of popular 00 flours shows differences in primary use, protein content, ideal oven temperature, and key advantages. For example, Caputo Pizzeria is often used for Neapolitan Pizza in high-temperature ovens, while King Arthur 00 Pizza is designed for home ovens. A detailed table comparing these aspects can help in selecting the right flour.

Recipe-Specific Recommendations

Specific recipes benefit from particular 00 flours. For instance, authentic Neapolitan pizza often uses Caputo Pizzeria, while other options are better for home oven pizza or fresh pasta.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asking what brand is 00 flour? stems from a common misconception. '00' signifies a fine Italian milling standard, not a specific brand. Understanding this classification allows you to choose from various brands like Molino Caputo and King Arthur, each offering formulations suited for different baking needs. Selecting the appropriate 00 flour based on your recipe and oven type is crucial for achieving authentic and delicious results.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice. For personalized dietary guidance, please consult with a qualified health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the grading system. American flour is classified by protein content (e.g., all-purpose, bread flour), while Italian flour, including the '00' designation, is classified by its milling fineness.

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the results will differ. Because 00 flour is much finer, it produces a more tender and delicate crumb, while all-purpose flour typically results in a chewier, denser dough.

No, 00 flour is not gluten-free. It is a wheat-based product that contains gluten. For gluten-free alternatives, you should seek out specifically labeled gluten-free flour blends.

The '00' is an Italian classification that indicates the fineness of the flour's grind. 'Tipo 00' is the finest grade, with a texture similar to baby powder, while other grades like '0' and '1' are progressively coarser.

No, Molino Caputo is just one of many brands that make 00 flour. Other notable brands include King Arthur, Cento Anna, and Molino Grassi.

The right choice depends on your recipe and equipment. For high-temperature pizza ovens, choose a 'Pizzeria' style 00 flour like Caputo's blue bag. For home ovens and general baking, a versatile 00 flour like Caputo's red bag or King Arthur's 00 Pizza Flour is suitable.

The fine grind of 00 flour can affect hydration. Some varieties, particularly those for high-heat ovens, are formulated to absorb less water, leading to a dough that cooks quickly. However, other types can vary, so it's best to add liquid gradually.