Grains are a fundamental ingredient for snack and bakery products. With consumers seeking better-for-you snacking options, grains—which fit squarely into plant-based trends—provide a great combination of flavor, texture and nutrition.
Grains, particularly whole grains, are recommended as part of a healthy diet and are associated with several health benefits. According to the 2019 “Food & Health Survey” from IFIC, more than 80 percent of consumers perceive whole grains as healthful, and fiber and whole grains topped the list of foods and nutrients consumers would like to eat more of. In fact, according to a July 2019 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief, whole grain intake as a proportion to total grain intake increased 26 percent among U.S. adults from 2005 to 2016.