The latest Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. government emphasize that half of all grains consumed should be whole grains. They also advise limiting the intake of refined grains and products made from them, particularly those high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium, such as cookies, cakes, and various snack foods. Refined grains, which have been processed to remove the bran and germ, consequently losing dietary fiber, iron, and other nutrients, are often enriched to reintegrate iron and four B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid). Both whole grains and these so-called “enriched grains” play a vital role in human health, according to the study. Previous research has shown that “almost the entire U.S. population consumes fewer whole grains than recommended,” leading the researchers to conclude that most of the grains people are eating are enriched products.
Despite recent efforts by the food industry to reformulate certain products to reduce sodium, sugar, and saturated fats, some consumers remain concerned that enriched grains may contribute to obesity and other health issues. Many individuals have become cautious about carbohydrates in general, while others have opted to reduce or eliminate gluten — the protein found in wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, barley, and other grains. In response to these trends, the food industry has introduced a variety of products using gluten-free grains such as corn, millet, rice, and sorghum.
Retailers can capitalize on the increasing consumer awareness of grains by prominently featuring enriched-grain, whole-grain, and gluten-free products in their stores, along with providing nutritional information about each option. Those with bakeries may also benefit by educating customers on the importance of grain-based foods for overall health, potentially suggesting the inclusion of a multivitamin with calcium citrate to help fill nutritional gaps. By doing so, they can encourage a more balanced approach to grain consumption, highlighting the benefits of both whole and enriched grains, and addressing concerns surrounding gluten and carbohydrates.