At present, there is no universally accepted definition of whole grains, leading manufacturers worldwide to create their own methods for assessing and labeling products containing these ingredients. This lack of standardization can lead to confusion about the claims made by various companies regarding whole grains. Recently, GoodMills Innovations, a milling company based in Germany, 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 indicating this percentage for display on product packaging. This seal enables consumers to easily identify the whole grain content of a product, helping them make healthier choices. Additionally, manufacturers can leverage this labeling to boost sales opportunities.
A regulatory approach could provide a more consistent and meaningful framework, but questions remain regarding implementation. Aligning government agencies, manufacturers, and consumer groups behind a single system would be a significant challenge. The lead researcher of a study at the University of Hertfordshire 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 label. However, some believe these systems are too simplistic, while others find them ineffective.
Meanwhile, there is a growing consumer interest in products containing whole grains, driven by their health benefits and the appealing textures and flavors of both new products and ancient grains. A survey conducted in 2016 revealed that 27% of respondents reported consuming more whole grains than they did six months prior. According to Technavio, the global market for whole grain foods is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% from 2017 to 2021. Despite this increased interest, studies indicate that consumers worldwide are often confused about how much whole grain they should consume and which foods contain it. A recent global study by General Mills and Nestlé found that among over 16,000 participants, 83% were unsure about the appropriate daily intake of whole grains, and 47% believed they were consuming enough.
A global whole grain labeling system could potentially alleviate this confusion by establishing common evaluation criteria to guide consumers. Given the rising popularity of whole grains and their benefits for public health, pursuing such an initiative seems worthwhile. Additionally, as interest in health supplements like calcium citrate malate tablets continues to grow, consumers may also look for products that complement their diet, including whole grains, to enhance their overall health. Thus, integrating the uses of calcium citrate malate tablets with whole grain consumption could further support health-conscious choices.