The Earth's Best Whole Grain Difference

For adults, eating more whole grains is about better health. For kids, especially babies and toddlers just starting to establish taste preferences, a diet rich in whole grains provides immediate health benefits, plus it begins to instill healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. Many Earth’s Best products contain ingredients rich in whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, and oatmeal. This includes our infant cereals, teething biscuits and whole grain bars. Earth’s Best Sesame Street Yummy Tummy Oatmeals, On The Go O’s cold cereal and Crunchin’ Grahams are specially marked to indicate that they contain a minimum of 8g whole grains per serving (exact amounts labeled).

What is whole grain?
Three layers must be present and intact for a grain to be considered whole: the outer layer (bran), the middle layer (endosperm) and the small inner core (germ). Bran contains up to 80% of the grain’s total mineral value, including B vitamins and most of the fiber.The endosperm contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Highly concentrated amounts of B vitamins, Vitamin E, protein, trace minerals, “good” unsaturated fats, antioxidants and phytochemicals are in the germ.

The Whole Grain Difference:

• Whole grains play a lifetime role in the prevention of heart disease and high blood pressure as part of a healthy diet. Risk factors for heart disease can become well-established in childhood, so that's the time to start prevention.
• Whole grains are fiber-rich. Fiber helps prevent constipation. If supplied in abundance, with plenty of fluids, it can help keep kids regular.
• Whole grain fiber helps to control blood sugar levels.
• Whole grains have flavor. Unlike the bland, often tasteless flavor of refined grains, whole grains have unique, rich, natural flavors that add variety and depth to the diet.

What does the FDA say about whole grains?
The food guide for young children 2 - 6 yrs recommends 6 servings from the grain group per day, of which 3 servings as whole grains is preferred. (Source: US Dept of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion)

Look for the Whole Grain stamp on specially marked Earth’s Best products.