Dive Brief:
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University of Hertfordshire researchers found whole grain breads and breakfast cereals with a fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio of less than 10 to 1 contained the lowest levels of fat, sugar and salt, according to Bakery and Snacks.
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Manufacturers could use these findings to develop a global whole grain labeling system alerting consumers to the healthiest food choices, the researchers said. The study was published online last month in the journal Public Health Nutrition.
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"Our work shows that using the carbohydrate:fiber ratio helps to identify foods that have good nutritional value," Dr. Angela Madden, the study's supervisor, told Bakery and Snacks. "We suggest that food manufacturers should consider adopting this approach to help consumers."
Dive Insight:
Currently, there is no globally accepted definition of whole grains, so manufacturers around the world have developed their own ways of assessing and labeling products that contain the ingredient. That can create problems and confusion about claims being made about whole grains by some companies.
GoodMills Innovations, a German milling company, recently developed an online Whole Grain Index tool manufacturers can use to calculate the whole-grain content of their products, then download a seal showing the amount for display on product packaging. The company said the seal makes it possible for consumers to view the percentage of whole grains in a product so they can easily choose better-for-you items. Manufacturers also could use the label to enhance sales opportunities.
A regulatory approach would be more uniform and meaningful, but there are questions over implementation. Lining up government agencies, manufacturers and consumer groups behind a single system would be challenging. The lead researcher in the University of Hertfordshire study recommends adding whole grain measurements onto a system 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 view these systems as too basic, while others view them as simply ineffective.
Meanwhile, people are seeking out products containing whole grains because of the health halo, along with the interesting textures and flavors of both new products and ancient grains. According to a 2016 survey, 27% of people said they eat more whole grains than they did in the previous six months. The global whole grain foods market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% between 2017 and 2021, according to Technavio.
Despite the increased interest, studies show that consumers around the world are confused about how much whole grains they should be eating and which foods contain them. A recent global study by General Mills and Nestle found that of the more than 16,000 people surveyed, 83% said they weren't sure how many grams they should be getting and 47% thought they get enough whole grains.
A global whole grain labeling system might help clear up the confusion by establishing common evaluation criteria to guide consumers. Nevertheless, given the increasing popularity of whole grains and their potential for enhancing public health, it appears to be worth the effort.