Many Americans Struggle to Identify Whole Grains, Implications for Policy
Consumers struggle to identify whole grain foods, which may be why many Americans don't eat enough of them. A study tested how well people could recognize whole grains in a group of common foods. Less than half of participants correctly identified all 5 whole grain foods, with popcorn and whole grain crackers being the most commonly mistaken. Non-Hispanic, white, and more educated individuals were better at identifying whole grains. This suggests that some groups may have trouble getting enough whole grains in their diet. The lack of clear labeling on whole grain foods could be a barrier to making healthier choices.