| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 04, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | FLOWERS FOODS INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001128928 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | GA |
| Entity File Number | 1-16247 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-2582379 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1919 Flowers Circle |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Thomasville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 31757 |
| City Area Code | (229) |
| Local Phone Number | 226-9110 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | FLO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
