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Meal Pattern Minute: Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Method 1

April 7, 2023

There are six methods to determine if a grain product meets the whole grain-rich criteria in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. But how do you know which process to use to determine if a grain is creditable as a whole grain-rich product? Do you search for words like multi-grain, whole wheat, or other terminology?   

Well, it only takes a minute to find out! Listen to our nutrition education specialist, Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, to learn more on identifying whole grain-rich using this first method, when a food is labelled whole wheat & meets the FDA’s Standards of Identity. 

For more information on whole grain-rich, refer to USDA Memo Code: CACFP 09-2018, Grain Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program: Questions and Answers. 

  • The product is labeled as “whole wheat” and has a Standard of Identity issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  
  • An FDA Standard of Identity is a set of rules for what a certain product (like whole wheat bread) must contain or may contain to legally be labeled with that product name. FDA provides Standards of Identity for certain whole wheat bread products (21 CFR 136.180) and certain whole wheat pasta products (21 CFR 139.138).  
  • Only breads with these exact product names conform to an FDA Standard of Identity and can be considered whole grain-rich using this method:  whole wheat bread , entire wheat bread, graham bread, whole wheat rolls, entire wheat rolls, graham rolls, whole wheat buns, entire wheat buns, graham buns
  • Only pastas with these exact product names conform to an FDA Standard of Identity and can be considered whole grain-rich using this method:  whole wheat macaroni product, whole wheat macaroni, whole wheat spaghetti, whole wheat vermicelli
  • Other grain products labeled as “whole wheat” that do not have an FDA Standard of Identity, such as crackers, tortillas, bagels, and biscuits, must be evaluated for whole grain-rich creditability for CACFP using one of the other methods on this list. 
  • Please be aware that manufacturers may label their products with terms that are similar to, but slightly different from, FDA Standard of Identity terms defined above. Some frequently encountered terms include “whole grain,” “made with whole grains,” “made with whole wheat,” or “contains whole grains.” These terms do not indicate an FDA Standard of Identity for whole wheat products. Foods labeled with these terms must be evaluated for whole grain-rich creditability for CACFP using one of the other methods on this list. 

Need meal pattern resources to help you guide you on determining whole grain-rich products? Check out the free materials below to get your started! 

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