I was not able to find any new news reports about Flowers Foods and Home Pride Bread this week.

However, a major shift in the California bread market has begun. Flowers Foods is starting to distribute the Sara Lee brand in the south portion of the Central Valley this month. I am not sure if the town where I live is included in the area, or if it is in the north section where they will start in May. This is good news for when Flowers Foods starts producing Home Pride Bread again. I will be in their distribution area.

When Grupo Bimbo bought Sara Lee’s bakery division, they were required to sell the distribution rights in California and other locations so that they could meet regulatory measures. Grupo Bimbo would have had too large of the market share in several areas. Of course, now with Flowers Foods purchase of the Hostess Brands, they will be the major bread brand in California. There still may be some measures that will have to be taken based on regulatory review, which has not yet been completed.

This week I have been trying out Rainbo Wheat Bread. 

Rainbo Wheat Bread is distributed by Sara Lee/Grupo Bimbo but will be changing soon to Flowers Foods.

I like this bread, but it is not Home Pride. I have a few minor things that I don’t like about it. The crust is a little bit crisper than I would like, but I am getting used to it. It does have a good texture and it toasts well. It does have a good taste. The bread has worked OK for my morning toast and I have decided to add it to the front runner list and relegate Oven Joy to the list of those that have not passed the test.

The front runners are now Rainbo Wheat Bread , Roman Meal Sungrain 100% Whole Wheat and Roman Meal Thin Sliced Sandwich Bread.

The breads that have not passed the test are Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat , Safeway’s Butter Top Wheat, Oroweat Soft Family 100% Whole Wheat, Oven Joy, Sara Lee Honey Wheat, Bimbo Soft Wheat Family, Cascade Pride Split Top Wheat , Oroweat simply 100% Whole Wheat and Open Nature 100% Whole Wheat Bread

You can click on the bread names above to visit the posts where I reviewed them.

I decided that since I like Rainbo Wheat Bread I should also try Rainbo White Bread. Perhaps it is a good tasting white bread. I can only give it a try and also continue trying new breads and delay making a final decision on a replacement bread. So, I picked up a loaf at Target this afternoon.

I am also looking out for Nature’s Own bread to see when it will be available here. I am sure that Flowers Foods will introduce their flagship bread brand here as soon as possible. Plus, Nature’s Own has been mentioned as a good alternative to Home Pride bread.

Hopefully more details about Home Pride Bread will soon be released.

Steven

To see my other posts about bread, click on Home Pride Bread.