Is all flour in the UK fortified?

November 13, 2025 •

2 min read

According to UK law, only non-wholemeal wheat flour must be mandatorily fortified with specific nutrients. This means that the common assumption that all flour in the UK is fortified is incorrect, as several important exceptions exist.

Quick Summary

Mandatory fortification in the UK applies only to non-wholemeal wheat flour, excluding wholemeal, small-scale mill products, and certain non-wheat flours. This policy ensures key nutrient intake but features exemptions for various products and production scales.

Key Points

Mandatory fortification: By law, only non-wholemeal wheat flour produced or imported into the UK is required to be fortified.
Wholemeal flour is exempt: Wholemeal flour retains its natural nutrients and is not subject to mandatory fortification.
Small mill exception: Small-scale mills producing less than 500 tonnes per year are typically exempt from the fortification rules.
Folic acid to be added: New legislation requires folic acid to be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour from December 13, 2026.
Organic flour is not fortified: Organic non-wholemeal wheat flour, unlike its conventional counterpart, is not required to be fortified.
Non-wheat flours are exempt: Flours from cereals other than common wheat, such as rye and spelt, do not need to be fortified.

The Bread and Flour Regulations: A Closer Look

In the UK, the fortification of flour is governed by the Bread and Flour Regulations. These regulations were introduced to address dietary deficiencies and improve public health by restoring nutrients lost during the milling process. The core of the legislation mandates the addition of specific vitamins and minerals to non-wholemeal common wheat flour.

Which flours must be fortified?

White and Brown Wheat Flour: These varieties are subject to mandatory fortification unless exempt.
Imported Flour: Non-wholemeal wheat flour imported into Great Britain must also comply with fortification regulations.

What are the key nutrient requirements?

As of April 2025, mandatory nutrients for non-wholemeal wheat flour include Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin (Vitamin B3), and Thiamin (Vitamin B1). Folic Acid will be added from December 13, 2026.

Important exemptions to fortification laws

Several types of flour and production methods are exempt from mandatory fortification:

Wholemeal Flour: Exempt due to its naturally higher nutrient levels.
Small-Scale Mills: Mills producing less than 500 metric tonnes annually are typically exempt.
Organic Flour: Both organic wholemeal and non-wholemeal wheat flour are exempt.
Other Cereal Flours: Flours from cereals other than common wheat (e.g., rye, spelt, oats) are not subject to fortification.
Flour for Export: Unfortified flour can be produced or imported if intended for export or export products.

The impact of folic acid fortification

A significant change mandates folic acid addition to non-wholemeal wheat flour from December 13, 2026. This public health initiative aims to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs).

Fortified vs. Unfortified UK Flour: A Comparison


Feature	Fortified Non-Wholemeal Flour	Wholemeal Flour (Unfortified)
Nutrient Profile	Nutrients added back after milling	Retains naturally high nutrient levels
Nutrients Added	Calcium, Iron, Thiamin, Niacin. Folic acid from late 2026	None added; contains naturally occurring vitamins and minerals
Regulation	Mandatory fortification governed by UK law	Exempt from mandatory fortification
Use Case	Standard baking and commercial production	Rustic, less-processed products with higher fibre
Organic Availability	Organic non-wholemeal is an exception and remains unfortified	Available in unfortified form, as are other cereal-based flours

Consumer choices and sourcing unfortified flour

For those seeking unfortified flour in the UK, options include wholemeal wheat flour and flours from other cereal grains. Specialist retailers and artisan mills, often exempt, also provide unfortified flours. This offers consumers a choice between widely available fortified products and specialist, unfortified options. For detailed information, consult official government guidance.

Conclusion

In summary, not all flour in the UK is fortified. While mandatory fortification applies to most standard white and brown wheat flour, wholemeal, organic varieties, and products from small-scale mills are exempt. Understanding the Bread and Flour Regulations, including the upcoming mandatory folic acid fortification, is essential for informed choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

UK law mandates the addition of calcium, iron, niacin (Vitamin B3), and thiamin (Vitamin B1) to non-wholemeal wheat flour. Folic acid will also be mandatory from December 13, 2026.

Yes, organic non-wholemeal wheat flour is exempt from the mandatory fortification requirements in the UK. Many organic flours from other cereals, like rye and spelt, are also naturally unfortified.

Wholemeal flour is exempt because the milling process retains the natural bran and germ, which are rich in nutrients. This means that fortification is not required to restore nutritional value.

The regulations provide an exemption for small mills producing less than 500 metric tonnes of flour per year. This allows them to sell unfortified flour without the financial burden of adding fortificants.

Since October 2022, non-wholemeal flour imported into Great Britain for the UK market must be fortified. However, finished products like biscuits or bread that contain flour are not covered by the same rule.

New legislation requires folic acid to be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour from December 13, 2026. This is a public health measure to reduce neural tube defects.

Fortified flour is clearly labelled. The added nutrients, such as calcium carbonate, iron, and niacin, must be listed in the ingredients list on the packaging.