Whole Grain

    Whole Grain the Whole Story

    The word is out … whole grain is good for us. And it’s not just hype or a fad. So what is whole grain exactly? Well, the clue is in the name…Whole grains are the complete grain, with all its nutrients. Unlike refined grains, nothing has been taken away.

    What about white?

    When grains are refined to make ‘white’ products, like white bread, and white rice and pasta, the outer parts of the grain are thrown away and only the middle section is used. It’s fine to eat refined foods – don’t panic! – they’re good for you too, they just don't contain as many nutrients as their whole grain sibling.

    Bran: The fibre-rich outer layer contains protein, B vitamins and antioxidants

    Endosperm: The starchy bit in the middle includes protein and carbohydrates for energy, and some B vitamins

    Germ: Packed with nutrients, the inner part contains B vitamins and vitamin E plus minerals like magnesium, and omega-6 fatty acids.

    Did you

    know?

    Wheat almighty!

    Wheat is the most widely grown cereal grain. It’s grown on over 17 per cent of the total cultivated land in the world, and is the staple food for 35 per cent of the world’s population. It provides more calories and protein in the world’s diet than any other crop.

    Pop goes the kernel!

    Popcorn is simply a puffed-up whole grain. It’s made from a special type of corn called ‘zea mays everta’ – the only type of corn that can ‘pop’. Try popping your own corn at home with the kids – great fun!

    Whole grain or not whole grain?

    Grains are everywhere! Drive out into the countryside in summertime, and you’ll see fields of wheat, oats, barley and corn (for rice, which is grown in waterlogged paddy fields, you might have to travel a bit further….).

    But when you’re back in town, staring at the supermarket shelves, how can you tell the whole from the not-so-whole? You may be surprised that some of the foods you’d imagine to be whole grain, actually aren’t.

    Discover some fun facts about whole grain

    These are whole grains

     

     

    • Bulgur wheat
    • Whole corn
    • Cracked wheat
    • Whole oats
    • Durum wheat
    • Rolled oats
    • Buckwheat
    • Porridge
    • Spelt
    • Oatmeal
    • Whole barley
    • Oat flakes
    • Hulled barley
    • Brown rice
    • Naked barley
    • Wild rice

    These aren't whole grains

    • Bran
    • Corn meal
    • Polenta
    • Corn grits
    • Pearled barley
    • White rice

    Go whole grain!

    So whole grains are an important part of a varied, balanced diet for your whole family – and they taste great too! Go whole grain!

    Find out more about switching to whole grain

    Also Interesting

    Ever wondered how we select our ingredients?

     Nestlé wants to make sure that their cereals taste great and are sourced in the best way possible. Find out more about the ingredients & quality here Read the full article Ever wondered how we select our ingredients?

    How to grow grain

     If your child is curious about how grain is grown, why not have them try for themselves? Follow our guide and they’ll be little farmers in no time! Read the full article How to grow grain

    Good morning!

     Welcome to Nestlé Cereals! We have a selection of cereals to choose from, all of which have been created to help you have a great morning! Read the full article Good morning!

    Let'stalk

    Do Nestlé products in emerging countries have more salt than products in developed/developing countries?

    For the last 15 years we’ve been working to reduce the sodium (which is the major component of salt) in our breakfast cereals across the world, because we want to keep on making them more nutritious. Achieving consistency on all products, in all countries, takes time - so some may have more sodium than others. Our aim is for all our cereals – globally – to have the same reduced levels of sodium, with a target of less than 135mg per serving in all our children’s products.

    What are the health and nutritional benefits of Nestlé Gluten Free Corn Flakes?

    As well as being a healthy choice for people who want to reduce the amount of gluten in their diet, or have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance, Gluten Free Corn Flakes are fortified with B-vitamins, folic acid and iron

    How can I find foods made with whole grain?

    Two things to remember: • Look for food labels where the word 'whole' appears in front of the name of the grain, like “whole wheat” or “wholemeal bread”. • For foods with more than one ingredient, make sure whole grain is listed towards the top of the ingredients list. The further up the list it is, the more whole grain has been used in the recipe. And look out for the percentage of whole grain. You should find this in the ingredients list too.

    I’ve heard a low GI diet can help me lose weight. Is this true?

    It’s too early to say. The science in this area is still emerging. There is evidence that low GI foods take longer to digest and help you feel satisfied for longer, but none that you’ll eat fewer calories at the next meal.