Whole Grain Stamp
Encyclopedia
The Whole Grain Stamp was created by the Whole Grains Council and a panel of scientific and culinary advisors in January 2005 as a visual marker to signal products that contain dietarily-significant amounts of whole grains. The Stamp features a stylized sheaf of grain on a golden-yellow background with a black border.
Every product that bears the stamp must contain at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving. 8 grams equals one half of a MyPyramid
serving. Products that bear the 100% Whole Grain Stamp contain at least 16 grams of whole grain per serving – or a full MyPyramid serving as outlined by the USDA – and do not contain any refined grains.
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone over age 9 should eat at least three servings of whole grains each day for health. For an outline of scientific studies published on the health benefits of whole grains, see resources below. In 1999, the FDA authorized the use of a health claim that can be used on whole grain foods: “Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.”* However, these claims have certain limitations, and cannot be used on some whole grain foods even if the foods are 100% whole grain. See resources below for more information on health claims and Guideline specifics.
Every product that bears the stamp must contain at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving. 8 grams equals one half of a MyPyramid
MyPyramid
MyPyramid, released by the United States Department of Agriculture on April 19, 2005, is an update on the American food guide pyramid that was used until June 2, 2011, when the USDA's MyPlate replaced it. The icon stresses activity and moderation along with a proper mix of food groups in one's diet...
serving. Products that bear the 100% Whole Grain Stamp contain at least 16 grams of whole grain per serving – or a full MyPyramid serving as outlined by the USDA – and do not contain any refined grains.
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone over age 9 should eat at least three servings of whole grains each day for health. For an outline of scientific studies published on the health benefits of whole grains, see resources below. In 1999, the FDA authorized the use of a health claim that can be used on whole grain foods: “Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.”* However, these claims have certain limitations, and cannot be used on some whole grain foods even if the foods are 100% whole grain. See resources below for more information on health claims and Guideline specifics.
Resources
- Whole Grains Education Materials
- Whole Grain Stamp