I am confused about the different types of "flour" on the ingredient list of various breads.  Some say "wheat flour", others "enriched flour (wheat)", and still others say "enriched flour (flour)".  So what is the difference and which should I eat?

The ingredients listed on bread labels as well as all food labels contain the raw ingredients in decreasing order by weight used to make that particular food. The type of flour generally gives us an indication of the milling process.  That is, how the grain was ground into a flour ( i.e. were all parts of the wheat grain including the outer layers of bran and germ used) AND any treatment applied after milling (i.e. enrichment, adding vitamins and minerals lost during processing) or bleaching (the natural aging of flour during storage or achieved with chemicals that oxidize the yellow pigment and improve the baking quality of the flour).

"Wheat Flour is made by grinding wheat and typically does not contain the bran or germ.

Enriched Flour (wheat) is wheat flour (no bran or germ) that has been enriched with thiamin, riboflavin and niacin and may include Vitamin D, iron and calcium that are lost during flour processing.

Enriched Flour (flour) is the same as the above except that the source of the grain is not identified. Other grains such as rye, oats, barley or soybeans can be used in the making of this flour.

Whole Wheat Flour is made by grinding the entire wheat grain, including the bran and germ. Other ingredients may be included such as malted wheat, wheat flour and barley flour. It is also called graham flour and entire wheat flour."

Summing up:  There are many types of flours used in our grain products.  A high fiber diet has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.  Eating whole grains is a great way to add more fiber to your day.  For good health, at least three of the six to eleven servings of grain should be whole grain products. The best way to determine if a product is whole-grain is to read the ingredient list and look for "whole wheat" as the first ingredient.  For many whole-grain products, the words "whole" or "whole grain' will appear before the grain ingredient's name. The whole grain should be the first ingredient listed. 

Wheat flour, enriched flour, and degerminated cornmeal are not whole grains. Another tip for finding whole-grain products is to look for the wholegrain health claim-"Diets rich in wholegrain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers"-on food product labels.

Reference.  This information was adapted from Ask the Dietitian and Get on the Grain Train

Ask A Question