Americans consuming more whole grains


         Subscribe in NewsGator Online   Subscribe in Bloglines 
Americans consuming more whole grains

Whole grain consumption among Americans is up 20 percent since 2005, according to the Whole Grains Council (WGC), Boston. The council revealed this and other consumer insights about whole grains, during its Make Half Your Grains Whole conference held recently in Alexandria, Va.

A double-digit increase in whole grain consumption is compelling and indicates whole grains are moving into the mainstream, according to NPD Group’s Joe Derochowski, who presented data from his firm’s National Eating Trends survey, publicly released for the first time at the conference. Still, consumers are enjoying on average only 11 percent of their grains as whole grains, he added.  

This falls short of the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines’ recommendation that Americans get at least half their grain intake from whole grains. The guidelines are based on numerous studies showing that those who consume more whole grains may reduce their risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and some cancers, while also improving weight control.
The WGC developed the Whole Grains Stamp in January 2005, which today is used on 2,500 products in seven countries, according to a WGC press release. The packaging symbol shows consumers which foods contain significant amounts of whole grain.

The conference, which was organized by the WGC and non-profit Oldways organization, drew government policymakers, health professionals and manufacturers. “When manufacturers create delicious whole grain products, government policies support them and the health/non-profit sector popularizes them with creative and innovative programs, we’ve learned that we can move the consumer needle toward enjoying healthier foods like whole grains,” said Oldways President K. Dun Gifford.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2010 Penton Media Inc.


Acceptable Use Policy
blog comments powered by Disqus

Most Read Articles in 2009

Read live blogs from the Healthy Baking Seminar and Natural Products Expo West. Modern Baking and Baking Management editors are on hand in Anaheim to report.

In this Issue

Modern Baking Buyer's Guide

Indentify new equipment, ingredients and supplies for your retail, in-store, foodservice or specialty wholesale bakery while keeping up with the latest contact information, product lines and services for your business.

The Bakery-Net e-Newsletter


Baking Industry News
Decorating Ideas
Bakery Equipment News
Healthful Baking News
Formulas & Techniques

Each of the five Bakery-Net e-Newsletters brings the best of Modern Baking and Baking Management magazines. View the archives

Related Sites

Supermarket News

WH Refresh

Healthy Baking Seminar

Total Access

Upcoming Events


Healthy Baking Seminar
March 11
Modern Baking and Baking Management

More Baking Events..

Product Information


Visit our online resource to find products and services offered by advertisers featured in Modern Baking magazine.

Past Issues

Looking for a particular issue of Modern Baking? Use the dropdown menu below to assist you in your search.