Is Malt-O-Meal Considered a Whole Grain?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a true whole grain must contain all three parts of the grain kernel: the bran, germ, and endosperm. When asking, 'Is Malt-O-Meal considered a whole grain?', the answer depends on the specific product, but the classic hot cereal is not a whole grain product.

Quick Summary

The traditional Malt-O-Meal hot wheat cereal is not a whole grain because it is made from wheat farina, a refined grain consisting only of the endosperm. While some Malt-O-Meal ready-to-eat cereals do contain whole grains, the original hot cereal lacks the bran and germ, which are packed with fiber and nutrients.

Key Points

Refined Wheat Farina: The classic Malt-O-Meal hot wheat cereal is made from wheat farina, which is a refined grain, not a whole grain.
Lack of Bran and Germ: The refining process for farina removes the bran and germ, which contain the majority of a grain's fiber and nutrients.
Look for the "Whole" Label: To identify a true whole grain product, look for the word "whole" before a grain's name on the ingredient list, such as "whole grain wheat".
Some Malt-O-Meal Products are Whole Grain: Not all products under the Malt-O-Meal brand are refined; some ready-to-eat options like Frosted Mini Spooners contain whole grains.
Fortification Does Not Equal Whole Grain: While refined products may be fortified with vitamins and minerals, they still lack the natural fiber and nutrients of the entire grain kernel.
Verify with the Whole Grain Stamp: Some Malt-O-Meal products carry the Whole Grain Stamp, a reliable indicator of whole grain content.

Understanding the Definition of a Whole Grain

A whole grain kernel consists of three main parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. The bran is the fiber-rich outer layer, the germ is the nutrient-dense core, and the endosperm is the starchy interior. For a product to be considered whole grain, it must contain all three components.

The Composition of Original Malt-O-Meal

The primary ingredient in original Malt-O-Meal hot wheat cereal is wheat farina. Wheat farina is a refined grain, meaning the bran and germ are removed during milling, leaving only the endosperm. Consequently, this product does not meet the definition of a whole grain. The name "malt-o-meal" refers to malted barley used for flavor.

The Processing of Refined Grains

Refining grains removes much of the fiber, iron, and B vitamins found in the bran and germ. While refined grains are often enriched with some of these nutrients, the fiber content is typically not restored to its original levels.

Why Whole Grains are Healthier

Whole grains offer significant health advantages over refined grains due to their fiber, vitamin, and mineral content. Fiber supports digestion, blood sugar control, and satiety. Regular whole grain consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Comparing Original Malt-O-Meal to Whole Grain Options

Let's compare original Malt-O-Meal to a true whole grain cereal like whole grain rolled oats.


Feature	Original Malt-O-Meal (Hot Wheat)	Whole Grain Rolled Oats
Grain Source	Wheat farina (refined grain)	Whole oats (whole grain)
Fiber Content	Low	High
Nutrients	Fortified with added vitamins and iron	Naturally rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals
Nutrient Loss	Bran and germ removed	All kernel parts retained
Health Benefits	Source of added iron and B vitamins	Supports heart health, digestion, blood sugar
Primary Purpose	Quick-cooking	Nutrient-dense

Not All Malt-O-Meal Products are the Same

Malt-O-Meal is a brand that offers various cereals, and some do contain whole grains. Products like Frosted Mini Spooners or certain Raisin Bran varieties are made with whole grain wheat. To identify whole grain options, check the ingredient list for the word "whole" before a grain's name high on the list. Some products also feature the Whole Grain Stamp.

How to Find a True Whole Grain Cereal

When choosing whole grain cereals, look for:

"Whole" before a grain name in the ingredient list.
A whole grain as one of the first ingredients.
A fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio of 10:1 or less.
The Whole Grain Stamp.

Conclusion

Original Malt-O-Meal hot wheat cereal is made from refined wheat farina and is not a whole grain. While the brand offers other cereals that are whole grain, it is essential for consumers to check ingredient lists and labeling carefully. For the full health benefits of whole grains, opt for options like oatmeal or Malt-O-Meal products specifically labeled as whole grain. Informed choices based on labels are key to a healthier diet. For more on whole grains, visit the Whole Grains Council website.

Key Takeaways

Classic Malt-O-Meal is not a whole grain: It is made from refined wheat farina.
Refined grains lack nutrients: Processing removes fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Whole grain benefits: Whole grains contain the entire kernel, providing fiber and reducing chronic disease risk.
Check the ingredients: Look for "whole" or "whole grain" high on the list.
Malt-O-Meal offers varied products: Some ready-to-eat cereals from the brand are whole grain.
Verify with the Whole Grain Stamp: This stamp indicates whole grain content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Original Malt-O-Meal is not a whole grain because it is made from wheat farina. Farina is a refined grain, meaning the nutrient-rich bran and germ have been removed during processing, leaving only the starchy endosperm.

Wheat farina is a type of flour made from the endosperm of the wheat kernel. The endosperm is the central, starchy part of the grain, while the healthier bran and germ are milled away.

Yes, some Malt-O-Meal ready-to-eat cereals do contain whole grains. For example, Frosted Mini Spooners and certain Raisin Bran products are made with whole grain wheat.

To identify a whole grain cereal, check the ingredient list for the word 'whole' before the grain, such as 'whole wheat flour' or 'whole oat flour'. Also, a Whole Grain Stamp on the packaging indicates whole grain content.

Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel—bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran and germ, leaving only the starchy endosperm. This removes significant fiber and nutrients.

Yes, original Malt-O-Meal is heavily fortified with vitamins and minerals, including iron and B vitamins, to replace some of the nutrients lost during the refining process.

Malted barley, an ingredient in traditional Malt-O-Meal, is barley grain that has been sprouted and dried. While barley is a whole grain, the process of malting or its inclusion in a recipe does not make a product whole grain unless the entire kernel is present.