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# Got grains? Get the whole story
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/grains_0119110711/
- Published: 2011-01-19T08:11:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:11:43.000Z
- Description: A General Mills survey found 61 percent of Americans believe they eat enough whole grain while only 5 percent actually do. Just 55 percent could identify whole grain products by label, and 28 percent could not tell whole grain from enriched grain.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Food, Nutrition, Whole Grain, #vivvo-import

Sixty-one percent of Americans think they get the recommended daily amount of whole grain, but only 5 percent actually consume enough, according to a new study by General Mills.

The study showed 92 percent of people surveyed know whole grain is important.

However, only 55 percent of respondents knew how to identify whole grain products by label, and 28 percent of them could not tell the difference between whole grain and enriched grain.

Americans know getting the whole grain should start with breakfast, but 46 percent of respondents regard sandwich bread as their first source of whole grains.

"As part of a healthy diet, whole grain can help with diabetes and weight management, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Ready-to-eat cereal is the leading source of whole grain and packs in vitamins, minerals and key essential nutrients – without packing on calories,” said Susan Crockett, director of the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition at General Mills.

A study published in the journal of the American Dietetic Association confirms over 25 percent of all American’s whole grain comes from ready-to-eat cereals.

That study showed 35 percent of respondents said they didn’t get more whole grain because of taste; twenty-seven thought the price was not acceptable and 24 percent cited inconvenience keeps them from getting more whole grain.

In addition, 58 percent of women respondents said they are getting enough whole grain, compared to 64 percent of men. 

The researchers also found the older the participants, the more likely they thought they were getting enough whole grain.

Seventy-one percent of respondents 55 years old or older believed they are having enough whole grain, but the number dropped to 47 percent when surveyed people from age 18 to 34.

Whole grain contains the bran, the germ and endosperm. It offers nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

It may help decrease the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes.

Stephen Lau and editing by Aimee Keenan-Greene