Read food labels carefully. Choose foods that name one of the following whole-grain ingredients as the first food on the label’s list of ingredients: buckwheat, bulgur, millet, oatmeal, quinoa, rolled oats, whole grain barley/corn/sorghum/triticale/oats/rye/wheat or rice. Some labels intentionally mislead consumers with words that suggest the foods are healthier. Labels on foods that are usually not whole grain products include ‘multi-grain,’ ‘stone-ground,’ ‘100% wheat,’ ‘cracked wheat ’’seven-grain,’ or ‘bran.’ Color of the food can be misleading. Molasses or other ingredients can make grain products brown.
Adult role modeling for children is key. Be sure that children see their teachers/caregivers eating whole grain products. When they are able to participate in cooking products, have the children prepare and then taste whole grain foods. Teach school age children to read food labels and select foods with whole grain as the first ingredient on the list.