Currently, there is no universally accepted definition of whole grains, leading manufacturers worldwide to create their own methods for assessing and labeling products that contain these ingredients. This lack of standardization can result in confusion regarding the claims made by some companies about whole grains. GoodMills Innovations, a milling company based in Germany, has recently introduced an online Whole Grain Index tool that allows manufacturers to calculate the whole-grain content of their products. They can then download a seal displaying this information for use on product packaging. This seal enables consumers to easily see the percentage of whole grains in a product, aiding them in making healthier choices. Additionally, manufacturers can leverage this labeling to boost their sales opportunities.
While a regulatory approach could provide a more consistent and meaningful framework, implementing such a system poses challenges. Aligning government agencies, manufacturers, and consumer groups behind a unified system would be complex. The lead researcher from the University of Hertfordshire study suggests incorporating whole grain measurements into existing systems like the U.K. Food Standards Agency’s traffic-light program or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s nutritional facts panel. However, some critics argue that these frameworks are overly simplistic, while others deem them ineffective.
In the meantime, consumers are actively seeking products rich in whole grains, attracted by their perceived health benefits, as well as the unique textures and flavors offered by both modern products and ancient grains. A 2016 survey revealed that 27% of respondents reported consuming more whole grains than they had six months prior. According to Technavio, the global whole grain foods market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% from 2017 to 2021.
Despite this growing interest, studies indicate that consumers worldwide remain uncertain about the appropriate amount of whole grains they should consume and which foods actually contain them. A recent global study conducted by General Mills and Nestlé found that among over 16,000 participants, 83% were unsure about how many grams of whole grains they should be eating, and 47% believed they were already consuming sufficient amounts. Establishing a global labeling system for whole grains could help alleviate this confusion by creating standardized evaluation criteria to guide consumers. Given the rising popularity of whole grains and their potential to improve public health, pursuing such an initiative seems worthwhile.
Furthermore, incorporating whole grains into diets can be beneficial when combined with supplements like calcium citrate, which is available on platforms like Amazon. As the demand for health-oriented products rises, including whole grains and calcium citrate in dietary choices could significantly enhance overall nutrition.