What is Weet-Bix Made Of?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Sanitarium Health Food Company, Weet-Bix Original is composed of 97% wholegrain wheat, providing a significant source of fibre and sustained energy. This article delves into the core ingredients, nutritional profile, and variants that address dietary needs, such as the gluten-free alternative.

Quick Summary

Weet-Bix Original is primarily wholegrain wheat, with small additions of sugar, salt, barley malt extract, and a vitamin and mineral blend. This simple recipe provides a fibre-rich, low-fat breakfast option suitable for most diets. The company offers different product varieties to cater to specific health requirements.

Key Points

Wholegrain Wheat Base: Weet-Bix Original is made primarily from 97% wholegrain wheat, providing a rich source of fibre and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Simple Ingredient List: Beyond the wheat, the classic formula includes small amounts of sugar, salt, barley malt extract for flavour, and fortified vitamins and minerals like iron.
Gluten-Free Option: For those with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free variant is available, which is made using wholegrain sorghum instead of wheat.
Low in Sugar and Fat: The nutritional profile of original Weet-Bix is notable for being low in both fat and sugar, contributing to its high health rating.
Fortified Nutrients: The cereal is fortified with B vitamins (Niacin, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate) and iron, which help with energy release and fighting fatigue.
Vegan Friendly: Weet-Bix Original is suitable for vegans, containing no animal-derived ingredients. Some variants, such as those with honey, are not.
Versatile Breakfast: The simple composition allows Weet-Bix to be customised with various toppings like fruit, nuts, or yoghurt to boost fibre and nutrient intake.

Core Ingredients of Weet-Bix Original

Weet-Bix has maintained a reputation for a straightforward ingredient list since its creation. The classic biscuits rely on a few key components to deliver their texture and nutritional value.

Wholegrain Wheat (97%): This is the foundation of Weet-Bix, providing the bulk of its fibre and complex carbohydrates. Wholegrain wheat is integral to the cereal's nutritional profile, offering a low-fat source of sustained energy.
Sugar: A small amount of raw sugar is included to balance the flavour. It is added in minimal quantities to ensure the cereal remains low in overall sugar content.
Salt: Salt is added to enhance the taste and flavour profile of the biscuit.
Barley Malt Extract: This ingredient contributes to the cereal's distinct malty flavour and acts as a binder during the manufacturing process.
Vitamins and Minerals: Weet-Bix is fortified with essential nutrients, including B vitamins (Niacin, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate) and iron, to help release energy and combat fatigue.

Variations and Dietary Considerations

To accommodate a broader audience with different dietary needs and preferences, the Sanitarium Health Food Company has introduced a variety of Weet-Bix products.

Weet-Bix Gluten Free

For individuals with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, the standard wheat-based Weet-Bix is unsuitable. The gluten-free version is made from wholegrain sorghum instead of wheat.

Wholegrain Sorghum: This ancient grain is naturally gluten-free and is the primary ingredient in the specialised biscuits.
Golden Syrup: Used as a binder and to provide sweetness.
Vitamins and Minerals: Similar to the original, this version is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including Iron and B vitamins.

Flavoured and Enhanced Versions

For those seeking more flavour or additional benefits, there are other versions available.

Multi-Grain: This blend incorporates wholegrain wheat with other grains like rye, sorghum, and oats, often with added ingredients such as honey and coconut for flavour.
Protein: Weet-Bix Protein adds wheat protein and wheat crispies to boost the protein content.
Cholesterol Lowering: A specialised variety containing added plant sterols, which have been clinically proven to help reduce LDL cholesterol.

Comparison of Weet-Bix Variants


Feature	Weet-Bix Original	Weet-Bix Gluten Free	Weet-Bix Multi-Grain	Weet-Bix Protein
Primary Grain	Wholegrain Wheat	Wholegrain Sorghum	Wholegrain Wheat, Rye, Sorghum, Oats	Wholegrain Wheat
Gluten Content	Contains gluten	Gluten-free	Contains gluten	Contains gluten
Sweeteners	Sugar, barley malt extract	Golden syrup	Sugar, honey, coconut	Sugar, barley malt extract
Vegan Friendly?	Yes, original is typically vegan	Yes	May not be vegan due to honey	May not be vegan
Key Benefit	High wholegrain, low fat/sugar	Naturally gluten-free	Varied grain blend, flavour	Added protein for muscle growth

The Weet-Bix Manufacturing Process

The ingredients that make up Weet-Bix undergo a straightforward manufacturing process that is crucial to the final product's texture and form.

Wheat Procurement: The process begins with sourcing wholegrain wheat, often locally grown in Australia or New Zealand depending on the market.
Cleaning and Preparation: The grains are thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities before being stored in silos.
Cooking: The wheat is cooked in a pressure cooker with the barley malt extract for flavour and to soften the grains.
Milling and Flaking: After cooking and drying, the wheat is milled or shredded into long, stringy flakes.
Forming and Pressing: The flakes are then formed into the signature rectangular biscuit shape and compressed under pressure.
Baking/Toasting: The biscuits are passed through an oven, which toasts them to give them their familiar brown colour and crunchy texture.
Drying and Packaging: A final drying stage removes any remaining moisture to prevent mould and ensure a long shelf life before the biscuits are packaged.

Conclusion

Weet-Bix Original's ingredients are a simple and effective combination of wholegrain wheat, sugar, salt, barley malt extract, and added vitamins and minerals. This formula delivers a nutritious, low-fat, and low-sugar breakfast that has been a household staple for generations. For those with dietary restrictions, Sanitarium provides excellent alternatives like the sorghum-based Gluten-Free Weet-Bix, ensuring the brand remains accessible. The variations cater to different nutritional needs and tastes, but the core appeal remains in its simple, honest, and wholesome wholegrain base.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more information on Weet-Bix and other health food products, visit the official Sanitarium Health Food Company website: Sanitarium Health Food Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while similar in concept, they are different products. Weet-Bix is produced by Sanitarium Health Food Company in Australia and New Zealand, while Weetabix is a UK product with a different recipe and ownership. A legal dispute in the 1930s led to the companies producing different versions for different markets.

Yes, the standard Weet-Bix Original is made without any animal products, making it suitable for a vegan diet. Some flavoured variants may contain honey or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is always important to check the specific product label.

No, Weet-Bix is generally considered a low-sugar breakfast cereal. The original recipe contains minimal added sugar, with a serving providing only a small amount. Flavour variations, however, may have a higher sugar content.

The malty flavour of Weet-Bix comes from the barley malt extract added to the wholegrain wheat during the cooking process. This ingredient also helps bind the cereal together into its distinctive biscuit shape.

Yes, the standard Weet-Bix Original, made from wholegrain wheat, contains gluten. For those who need or prefer a gluten-free diet, Sanitarium offers a gluten-free variant made from wholegrain sorghum.

Yes, Weet-Bix is considered a nutritious and appropriate cereal for children. It can be introduced from around six months of age, with the texture adjusted to suit the infant's needs.

The gluten-free Weet-Bix is produced in a separate factory dedicated to gluten-free products to avoid any cross-contamination. The process uses wholegrain sorghum as the primary grain, ensuring it is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.