The description says this is a whole wheat flour. Is this whole wheat or white bread flour?

Hi there! Our Special Patent flour is a white bread flour, it has a protein content of 12.7%. We hope this helps and happy baking! Morgan@KAF

Does this have to be used specifically and only for bread machines

This flour is a good fit for hand or machine production. Provides good tolerance and oven spring and is ideal for hearth breads, pan breads, and buns. Also works well for yeasted breakfast pastries.

Is this the same flour as the light blue 5lb bag labeled bread flour in stores ?

Protein on both is 12.7%. I believe the difference is the patent flour is made on the center endosperm of the wheat kernel, so it's a higher quality and lower ash content than the regular bread flour. Patent flour will also be a little lighter in color

what is the best by date?

Hi there! The Best By date of this flour is set at one year from production and will arrive to customers with a remaining Best By range that accounts for shipping, storage, and delivery, as is standard for food products. Happy baking! Morgan@KAF