It is often unclear if wheat products contain any of the whole grain, such as the bran, wheat germ and endopserm. If the label lists the grain as "whole wheat," then it must contain wheat germ. However, if the label lists only the term, "wheat," it may not have wheat germ, and most likely does not.
Whole-Wheat Products
Products made with whole-wheat flour will contain the vital three parts of the wheat kernel: the endosperm, bran and wheat germ. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruling on whole-wheat flour, these components of the wheat kernel must remain in the flour, unaltered. So, anything made with whole-wheat flour will have some wheat germ, based on the amount of flour used. Check the label to see if whole-wheat flour is listed first, which indicates the product has a higher percentage of whole wheat.
Wheat Products
Wheat products, made with wheat flour do not have any wheat germ in them, unless it is added, which would be listed on the label. By law, wheat flour is the same as flour, white flour and plain flour, according to the FDA, Code of Federal Regulations, which specifies that the bran and wheat germ have been removed from the flour. Therefore, products made with any of these flours will not have wheat germ in them. Check the label for the type of flour used and even if it says wheat flour, the germ will not be present.
Wheat Germ
The germ of the wheat makes up 2.5 percent of the wheat kernel's weight. The wheat germ is that part of the kernel that is the embryo, which will produce a sprout. It contains a high amount of nutrition for the plant to grow and consequently is a good source of B-vitamins, unsaturated fats, protein and carbohydrates. Wheat germ can be purchased separately in a raw or toasted form. It does not have a long shelf life, due to the fat content. Some food products may add wheat germ, which is listed on the label.
Wheat Germ Products
The Whole Grains Council has created a special stamp that is placed on products that are whole grains and consequently, would have the germ included. Be careful of labels that say "crackers made with whole wheat," because the product may only have a small amount of whole wheat and wheat germ. Products that are labeled to be 100 percent whole wheat will have a greater percentage of wheat germ.
References
- Whole Grains Council: Identifying Whole Grain Products
- Code of Federal Regulations; Title 21 -- Food and Drugs: Whole Wheat Flour; April 2008
- Code of Federal Regulations; Title 21 -- Food and Drugs: Flour; April 2008
- "Nutrition Action Health Letter"; The Whole Grain Guide; March 1997
- The Whole Grains Council: What Counts as a Serving?
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