How General Mills Is Helping Close America’s Whole Grain Gap

Key Takeaways:

• Only 2% of people aged 2+ in the U.S. meet the recommended amount of whole grains each day.*
• Nearly 20 years ago, whole grain became the first ingredient in our Big G cereals – and still are today.
  
  
• Choosing cereal with whole grain listed as the first ingredient can have a big impact.
  
  

Did you know that today, only 2% of people aged 2+ in the U.S meet recommended whole grain intake levels*? This National Whole Grain Month, General Mills is spotlighting how you can close that gap by taking simple steps to add more into your day.

Whole grain foods contain all parts of the grain kernel — the bran, germ and endosperm. Because they keep the grain intact, they support:

• Digestive health, thanks in part, to fiber
• Nutrient intake, including certain B vitamins and minerals

For many people, breakfast offers a simple way to help reach the recommended 48 grams of whole grains per day.

Nearly 20 years ago, whole grain became the first ingredient in our Big G cereals – and still are today.

Our Big G cereals – like Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Chex – deliver 39 million whole grain servings daily, helping make our cereal the number one source of whole grain at breakfast in the United States.

“Most people aren’t getting enough whole grains or fiber, but the solution doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Jessica Campbell, PhD, Director at General Mills’ Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition. “Starting your day with a cereal that lists whole grain as the first ingredient is a simple, affordable way to help get the recommended daily serving.”

You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet to get more whole grains. Small, consistent changes add up.

Whether you like a bowl of cereal, granola topped on your favorite yogurt, or a granola bar for on-the-go mornings, here are a few examples of easy whole grain choices from General Mills:

• Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal (22g of whole grains per serving)
• Cheerios Protein Cereal (12g of whole grains per serving)
• Cascadian Farm Mixed Berry No Sugar Added Cereal (32g of whole grains per serving)
• Nature Valley Protein Oats & Honey Granola (33g of whole grains per serving)
• Nature Valley Oats & Honey Granola Bars (22g of whole grains per serving)

Each of these options deliver whole grains in familiar, accessible foods, making it easier to build better habits without sacrificing taste or convenience.

When you’re shopping for groceries, a few quick checks can help you identify whole grain choices:

1. Look at the ingredient list.

• Choose foods that list whole grains as the first ingredient (for example: “whole grain oats” or “whole wheat”)

2. Check the package for the number of whole grains per serving.

3. Think about your routine.

• If cereal is already part of your morning, choosing a whole grain-first option is an easy way to increase your whole grain intake without changing the meal entirely.
  
  

“The ingredient list is one of your best tools,” says Campbell. “If you see ‘whole grain’ listed first, that’s a strong signal you’re getting more of the benefits that whole grains can offer.”

National Whole Grain Month is a reminder that small changes can make a big difference over time.

With nearly two decades of providing whole grain-first cereals and a leading provider of whole grains to Americans, General Mills is proud to help make whole grains more accessible.

To learn more about whole grains, how to read labels, and simple ways to get more whole grains in your day, explore more resources here(Opens in a new tab).

* Source: NHANES 2017-18