“Enriched Grains”- What does it mean?

Most of the nutrients are found in the whole grain’s germ and bran. Refined grains have had their germ and bran removed during the milling process. It means that almost all of its original nutrients (fiber, iron and many B-vitamins) are gone. The milling process is done because it gives finer texture and improves their shelf life, but at the cost of losing important nutrients. Because of the lack of nutrients in refined grains, most refined grains are being “enriched”.

There are a number of refined grains that are referred to as “enriched”. To enrich a grain product, certain B vitamins like folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and iron are put back after the grain has been processed. To make sure, check the ingredient list on refined grain products and look for the word “enriched”.

Even after “enrichment”, refined grains do not have as many nutrients as whole grains. Furthermore, fiber is not added back in the enrichment process. Be aware that enriched refined grains and products that have been added with fiber rich bran are not necessarily whole grain products.