Whole Grains

Training for School Food Service Staff

 Objectives
• Define “whole grain”
• Identify whole grains
• Review USDA requirements for whole
grains
• Practice identifying whole grain labels
 What is a Whole Grain?

Whole grains consist of the

entire cereal grain seed or
kernel
Can you Identify a Whole Grain?

Oatmeal?
Can you Identify a Whole Grain?

Enriched Wheat Flour?

Can you Identify a Whole Grain?

White Whole Wheat Flour?

Can you Identify a Whole Grain?

Couscous?
 Whole Grain
These terms describe whole grains:
• Cracked Wheat
• Crushed Wheat
• Whole Wheat Flour
• Graham Flour
• Whole Durum Wheat Flour
 Whole Grains

• Turn to the back of your handout for a

list of whole grains.

• What surprises you about this list?

Why are Whole Grains Important?
Why are Whole Grains Important?
Heart Disease: reduced risk of cardio‐vascular disease
Cancer: reduced risk of gastrointestinal cancers and
hormone‐dependent cancers
Gastrointestinal health: alleviates constipation; decrease
risk of diverticulosis and diverticulitis
Diabetes: reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; maintenance
of blood glucose levels
Weight management: enhanced satiety
 What are the NSLP and SBP Requirements?

National School Lunch Program

SY 2012-13 and 2013-14: Half of all grains must be whole grain
SY 2014-15: All grains must be whole grain

School Breakfast Program

SY 2013-14: Half of all grains must be whole grains
SY 2014-15: All grains must be whole grain
“Whole grain-rich products must contain at least 50% whole
grains and the remaining grains in the product must be
enriched.”
 What Counts as Whole Grain?
• Whole grains per serving must be ≥ 8 grams
OR
• Product includes FDA’s whole grain health
claim on its packaging:
“Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods
and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol may reduce
the risk of heart disease and some cancers.”
OR

• Product ingredient listing must list whole grain first:

Whole Grain?
Whole Grain?
Whole Grain?
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Whole Grain?
Whole Grain Wheat Buns
Made with whole grains
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 bun (53gms)

Calories 140

Protein (g) 6

Carbohydrate (g) 25

Dietary Fiber (g) 2

Sugars (g) 4

Total Fat (g) 2

Saturated fat (g) 0

Trans fat (g) 0

Cholesterol (mg) 0

Sodium (mg) 240

Ingredients: Water, stone ground

whole wheat, enriched wheat flour,
high fructose corn syrup, wheat gluten
, yeast, soybean oil, contains 2%or
less of the following salt, dough
conditioners, calcium
Whole Grain?
Questions?