The most straightforward way to find 100% whole grain bread is by looking for the 100% Whole Grain Stamp on the product packaging.
The 100% Whole Grain Stamp: Your Best Indicator
The 100% Whole Grain Stamp is designed to simplify identifying products that are truly 100% whole grain. When you see this specific stamp on bread, it assures you that:
- The product contains a full serving or more of whole grain in each labeled serving.
- ALL the grain ingredients in that product are whole grain. There are no refined grains mixed in.
This stamp makes it easy to quickly determine if the bread meets the criteria for being entirely whole grain, without needing to deeply analyze the ingredient list.
Understanding Other Whole Grain Stamps
While the 100% Whole Grain Stamp is what you're looking for to ensure all grains are whole, it's helpful to be aware of other stamps you might encounter, which indicate varying levels of whole grain content:
| Whole Grain Stamp Type | What It Assures |
|---|---|
| 100% Stamp | All grain ingredients are whole grain, providing at least a full serving (16 grams) per labeled serving. |
| 50%+ Stamp | Contains at least half a serving (8 grams) of whole grain per labeled serving, with at least 50% of the grain being whole. |
| Basic Stamp | Contains at least half a serving (8 grams) of whole grain per labeled serving, but less than 50% of the grain may be whole. |
For bread that is 100% whole grain, only the 100% Stamp is sufficient. Products with the 50%+ Stamp or the Basic Stamp contain some whole grain, but they also include refined grains, meaning they are not entirely whole grain.
Beyond the Stamp: Checking Ingredients
If the Whole Grain Stamp is not present on the packaging, you can also examine the ingredient list. Look for words like "whole wheat," "whole oats," or other "whole" grains listed as the very first ingredient. Be wary of terms like "wheat flour," "enriched flour," or "degerminated," as these typically indicate refined grains.
For more information on identifying whole grain products, you can refer to resources from reputable organizations like the Whole Grains Council.
[[Whole Grain Identification]]
