Currently, there is no universally accepted definition of whole grains, leading manufacturers worldwide to create their own methods for assessing and labeling products that include these ingredients. This lack of standardization can result in confusion and misconceptions regarding whole grain claims made by various companies. GoodMills Innovations, a German milling firm, has recently introduced an online Whole Grain Index tool that allows manufacturers to calculate the whole grain content of their products and download a seal indicating this percentage for display on packaging. This feature enables consumers to easily identify products with higher whole grain content, supporting healthier choices. Additionally, manufacturers can leverage this labeling to boost their sales.
While a regulatory approach could provide a more uniform and meaningful solution, implementing such a system poses challenges. Aligning government agencies, manufacturers, and consumer groups behind a single framework would be complex. The lead researcher from a University of Hertfordshire study suggests incorporating whole grain measurements into existing systems, such as the U.K. Food Standards Agency’s traffic-light program or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s nutritional facts panel. However, opinions on these systems vary, with some viewing them as overly simplistic and others as ineffective.
Meanwhile, consumer interest in whole grain products continues to rise, driven by health benefits as well as the appealing textures and flavors offered by both innovative products and ancient grains. A survey conducted in 2016 revealed that 27% of respondents reported consuming more whole grains compared to six months prior. According to Technavio, the global whole grain foods market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% from 2017 to 2021. Despite this growing interest, research indicates that consumers worldwide are often uncertain about how many whole grains they should be consuming and which foods contain them. A recent global survey by General Mills and Nestlé found that among over 16,000 participants, 83% were unsure about the appropriate number of grams, and 47% believed they were consuming enough whole grains.
Implementing a global whole grain labeling system could potentially alleviate this confusion by establishing standardized evaluation criteria that guide consumers. Given the increasing popularity of whole grains, alongside their potential to enhance public health, this endeavor seems worthwhile. Furthermore, as consumers explore more products that offer benefits like tri calcium citrate 4 hydrate, the importance of clear labeling becomes even more critical in promoting informed choices in dietary supplements and whole grain foods alike.