For Consumers Looking to Get Their Fill of Fiber, Whole Grains Are Not the Whole Answer

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights:

• Research published in Nutrition Today shows that many consumers mistakenly believe that whole grain foods provide much-needed dietary fiber, yet fiber content in whole grain foods varies widely.
• Kellogg recommends consumers check the fiber content of their whole-grain foods to ensure they are getting at least 3 grams of fiber per serving

Foods with "whole grain" labels are exploding in popularity, in large part because many consumers believe that whole grain foods provide a good source of dietary fiber.(1)  Yet a new study published in the journal Nutrition Today shows that whole-grain foods do not always provide the fiber consumers expect.

"The good news is that consumers continue to look for ways to increase the amount of fiber in their diets," said lead author Betsy Hornick, M.S., R.D, lead author of a three-part series on "The Fiber Deficit" appearing in Nutrition Today.  "The bad news is that many consumers mistakenly believe all whole-grain foods provide the added fiber they are looking for. But just because a food has a 'whole-grain' label does not necessarily mean that it is a good source of fiber."

Part Two of the research series, "Consumer Misperceptions About Whole Grains and Fiber: A Call for Improving Whole Grain Labeling and Education," shows that nearly 85 percent of consumers surveyed who choose foods with a "whole-grain" label assume those foods are a good or excellent source of fiber.  Yet the researchers analyzed a variety of products with whole-grain claims and found that the fiber content varied widely.

"Americans can increase their intake of fiber by making informed choices when it comes to the foods they eat," said DeAnn Liska, Ph.D., senior director of nutrition science at Kellogg Company and the series co-author. "One way they can do this is 'flip to the fiber,' or study the nutrition guidelines on labels to make sure those foods are at least a  'good' source of fiber, providing 3 grams or more."

To help consumers meet their fiber needs, Kellogg offers more ready-to-eat cereals that provide at least a good source of fiber and 8 grams of whole grains than any other U.S. food company, including Kellogg's Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini-Wheats, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks.

The abstract of this article is available at http://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/Abstract/2012/05000/The_Fiber_Deficit,_Part_II___Consumer.7.aspx

SIDEBAR: Track Your Fiber Intake

Kellogg has two useful, free tools to help consumers determine their fiber needs and track their daily fiber intakes. A Fiber Tracker app and an Online Fiber Tracker are available at Kelloggsnutrition.com.

About Kellogg Company

Driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter, Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) is the world's leading producer of cereal, second largest producer of cookies and crackers and - through the May 2012 acquisition of the iconic Pringles® business - the world's second largest savory snacks company. In addition, Kellogg is a leading producer of frozen foods. Every day, our well-loved brands - produced in 18 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries - nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. With 2011 sales of more than $13 billion, these brands include Cheez-It®, Coco Pops®, Corn Flakes®, Eggo®, Frosted Flakes®, Kashi®, Keebler®, Kellogg's®, Mini-Wheats®, Pop-Tarts®, Pringles®, Rice Krispies®, Special K®, and many more. To learn more about Kellogg Company, including our corporate responsibility initiatives and rich heritage, please visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

(1)  Marquart L, Pham A, Lautenschlager L, Croy M, Sobal J. Beliefs about whole-grain foods by food and nutrition professionals, health club members, and special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children participants/state fair attendees. J Am Diet Assoc. 2006;106:1856-60.

SOURCE Kellogg Company