Is Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain? A Comprehensive Guide

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Whole Grains Council, increasing whole grain intake can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Bob's Red Mill is a brand often associated with wholesome, natural foods, but consumers frequently ask: is Bob's Red Mill whole grain? The answer is yes, many products are, but it's important to know what to look for on the packaging.

Quick Summary

Bob's Red Mill offers a wide selection of whole grain products, including flours, cereals, and other milled grains. The company is a founding member of the Oldways Whole Grain Council and uses clear labeling to help consumers identify whole grains. While many products are certified whole grain, reading labels is key to ensuring you are choosing 100% whole grain options.

Key Points

Check Labels: Always look for the Whole Grains Council stamp or a clear "Whole Grain" label on Bob's Red Mill products.
Not All Products Are Whole Grain: While the brand is known for whole grains, it also offers refined products, so reading the packaging is crucial.
Bran, Germ, and Endosperm: Whole grains include all three parts of the grain kernel, preserving fiber and nutrients, unlike refined grains.
Diverse Offerings: Bob's Red Mill has a wide range of whole grain foods, including flours, cereals, and baking mixes, catering to various diets.
Dietary Certifications: The brand provides options for organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO diets, which are clearly marked on the packaging.
Traditional Milling: Bob's Red Mill's use of traditional stone milling preserves the flavor and nutritional value of its grains.

Understanding the 'Whole Grain' Promise

Bob's Red Mill has been a leader in the whole grains movement since its inception in 1978. The company's commitment to providing high-quality, minimally processed foods is central to its identity. Many of its products are proudly labeled as 100% whole grain, emphasizing the inclusion of all three parts of the grain kernel: the bran, germ, and endosperm. This differs significantly from refined grains, where the bran and germ are removed during processing, stripping away much of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How to Identify Whole Grain Products from Bob's Red Mill

Bob's Red Mill makes it relatively easy to identify whole grain products through clear labeling and certification. Here’s what you should look for:

The Whole Grain Stamp: The Whole Grains Council stamp is a reliable indicator. Bob's Red Mill offers products with three types of stamps: the 100% Whole Grain Stamp, the 50%+ Whole Grain Stamp, and the Basic Whole Grain Stamp. The 100% stamp guarantees that all grain ingredients are whole grain, while the other stamps indicate a lower but still significant whole grain content.
Ingredient List: Always check the ingredient list. The first ingredient should be a whole grain, such as "Organic Whole Grain Hard Red Spring Wheat" or "Whole Grain Rolled Oats".
Product Names: The name of the product itself often gives a strong hint. Many products explicitly state "Whole Grain," such as "Whole Grain Sorghum" or "Whole Grain Millet".

The Health Benefits of Whole Grains

Choosing whole grains over refined grains offers numerous health advantages. These benefits stem from the complete nutritional profile of the grain kernel.

Improved Digestion: The high fiber content in whole grains supports a healthy digestive system and can help prevent constipation.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular consumption of whole grains is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Weight Management: The fiber in whole grains can increase feelings of fullness, helping with appetite control and weight management.

Comparison: Whole Grain vs. Refined Grain

To illustrate the key differences, consider this comparison:


Feature	Whole Grain (e.g., Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Flour)	Refined Grain (e.g., White All-Purpose Flour)
Parts of Grain Included	Bran, Germ, and Endosperm	Only Endosperm
Key Nutrients	Fiber, B Vitamins, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc	Primarily Starch, Some B Vitamins (if enriched)
Fiber Content	High	Low
Health Benefits	Improved digestion, reduced chronic disease risk	Limited, less nutrient-dense
Flavor Profile	Nutty, Earthy	Mild, Neutral
Processing Method	Stone ground or minimally processed	Steel roller mills, removes bran and germ

Bob's Red Mill and Special Dietary Needs

Beyond whole grains, Bob's Red Mill caters to various dietary needs by offering a range of specialty products. For example, the company provides an extensive line of gluten-free milled grains and mixes. To ensure the integrity of these products, they operate a separate 100% gluten-free facility and conduct rigorous batch testing. This dedication allows individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to enjoy whole grains safely.

Organic and Non-GMO Offerings

Bob's Red Mill is also a leader in certified organic and Non-GMO products. Their commitment to natural, non-GMO ingredients is evident across their product range. The company ensures this by maintaining strong relationships with its farmers and adhering to strict certification processes.

The Art of Stone Milling

Another hallmark of Bob's Red Mill is its use of traditional stone milling techniques. This method involves slow-turning quartz millstones that grind grains at a cooler temperature than modern steel roller mills. This gentle process helps preserve the grain's vital nutrients and creates a more flavorful, finely textured flour. The stone milling process is part of what gives Bob's Red Mill products their distinctive quality and appeal.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, is Bob's Red Mill whole grain? The answer is an emphatic yes, for many of their products, but consumer awareness is essential. Bob's Red Mill's long-standing commitment to the whole grain movement and transparent labeling practices, including the Whole Grain Stamp, make it a trusted brand. While some products, like their white flours, are refined, the majority of their core offerings are whole grain. By checking for certifications and reading ingredient lists, you can confidently select Bob's Red Mill products that align with your dietary goals. The company's diverse selection of flours, cereals, and grains, produced with traditional methods, provides nutritious and flavorful options for any pantry.

For more information on the health benefits of whole grains and how to incorporate them into your diet, consider visiting the Whole Grains Council website for authoritative resources. Visit the Whole Grains Council

Frequently Asked Questions

To be sure, look for the Whole Grains Council stamp on the product packaging, specifically the "100% Whole Grain" stamp. You can also read the ingredient list, where the first ingredient for a whole grain product will be a complete grain, such as "whole grain wheat flour".

Yes, Bob's Red Mill also produces refined grain products, such as Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour. It is important to read the product name and ingredient list to confirm if it is a whole grain product.

A 'multi-grain' label simply means the product contains more than one type of grain. These grains may or may not be whole. A 'whole grain' label, however, guarantees that the entire grain kernel is used. A product can be both multi-grain and whole grain if all the different grains used are whole.

Yes, Bob's Red Mill is a highly reputable and trusted brand in the natural foods industry. The company has a long-standing commitment to producing high-quality whole grains and is a founding member of the Oldways Whole Grain Council.

Many of Bob's Red Mill's gluten-free products are also whole grain, such as their Gluten-Free Whole Grain Rolled Oats. However, some gluten-free products are not whole grain, so always check the packaging for specific whole grain certification.

Bob's Red Mill uses traditional stone milling because the process grinds grain at a slower, cooler rate than modern steel mills. This helps preserve the grain's nutritional components and produces a more flavorful flour.

The most reliable place to find information is directly on the product packaging itself. The Bob's Red Mill website also provides detailed product information, including nutritional facts and ingredient lists.