Deciphering the Whole Grains Council Stamps
The most definitive way to identify a 100% whole grain product is by finding the specific Whole Grains Council stamp on its packaging. The Council developed a recognizable stamp program to help consumers navigate often-confusing food labels. The program uses several stamps, each with a different meaning based on the product's whole grain content.
The 100% Whole Grain Stamp: Your Best Indicator
The 100% Whole Grain Stamp is the unmistakable indicator that a product contains exclusively whole grains. This stamp is a guarantee that all grain ingredients used in the product are whole grain, with no refined grains added. Additionally, products bearing this stamp must meet a minimum whole grain content of 16 grams per labeled serving. This makes the 100% stamp the most reliable tool for consumers seeking the maximum nutritional benefits of whole grains without any refined grain content.
The Basic and 50%+ Stamps: Not 100% Whole Grain
While also issued by the Whole Grains Council, the Basic Stamp and the 50%+ Stamp do not signify a 100% whole grain product. The 50%+ Stamp indicates that at least 50% of the grain ingredients are whole grain and that the product contains a minimum of 8 grams of whole grain per serving. The Basic Stamp is for products with at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving, but may contain more refined grain than whole grain. These distinctions are crucial for shoppers aiming for a diet composed entirely of whole grains.
Beyond the Stamp: Reading the Ingredient List
Not all whole grain products use the Whole Grain Stamp. Therefore, savvy consumers must also learn to read ingredient lists to verify a product's whole grain content. For a product to be considered 100% whole grain, the word "whole" must precede every grain ingredient on the list, such as "whole wheat flour" or "whole oats". Additionally, since ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, whole grains should appear as the first ingredient (or the second, after water). Any mention of refined or enriched flour indicates the product is not 100% whole grain.
Comparison of Whole Grains Council Stamps
| Stamp Type | What it Means | Minimum Whole Grain per Serving | All Grains are Whole? | Refined Grains Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Whole Grain | All grain ingredients are whole grains. | 16g | Yes | No |
| 50%+ Whole Grain | At least 50% of the grain ingredients are whole grains. | 8g | No | Yes |
| Basic Whole Grain | Contains a significant amount of whole grain, but may have more refined grain. | 8g | No | Yes |
The Problem with Misleading Terms
Food packaging is full of marketing terms that can mislead consumers into thinking a product is 100% whole grain when it is not. Terms like "multigrain," "wheat," "stone ground," or "made with whole grains" do not guarantee 100% whole grain content. A multigrain product simply contains more than one type of grain, which could all be refined. A food labeled as "wheat" is most likely made with refined wheat flour, not whole wheat. Furthermore, a product's dark color is not a reliable indicator, as some manufacturers use additives like molasses or caramel coloring.
Conclusion: The Definitive Answer
When seeking to identify a 100% whole grain product, the single most reliable indicator is the 100% Whole Grain Stamp from the Whole Grains Council. This stamp guarantees that all grain ingredients are whole grains and that the product meets a minimum of 16 grams per serving. While reading the ingredient list is a valuable skill, the 100% stamp provides the fastest, most authoritative verification for those committed to a purely whole grain diet..
For more information on the Whole Grains Council's initiative, visit their website.
