It never ceases to amaze me regarding consumer's buying choices of products they perceive as being "whole grain" and highly nutritious, without as much as checking the ingredient label.   Many manufacturers have become very clever in making statements in their trade marked names. After all, they can not be held liable, since it's a trademark and not a health claim regarding their products.  

As a manufacturer I am appalled by the antics companies will use to get the sale.   If they put their efforts into producing high quality nutritious products, they wouldn't need to spend an enormous amount of money on their marketing efforts. What they understand is that the majority of people make their buying decisions based upon perceptions, not necessarily truth...actually they are counting on it.   We are counting on consumers having the desire to know the truth and we are here to do our part to educate them.

We believe that an "educated consumer" is our best customer.   We want you to make your buying decisions based upon truth...not perception.   We have nothing to hide, so we aren't afraid to educate you .   Educating you is something that will more then likely upset many mainstream bread manufacturers, because according to the Whole Grains Council..."whole grains currently make up about 10% of grains on supermarket shelves."   This actually means that 9 out of the 10 varieties on the shelves are anything but "whole grain".   I'll bet that surprise's you...because it surprises nearly everyone.   Manufacturers have become quite savvy marketers.  

However, as consumers continue to gain knowledge, they will force manufacturers to produce better products.   We may not win any popularity contests among other manufacturers, but they really aren't our concern...your health is our only concern.   We hold ourselves to a "higher standard" , because long term we know that truth will always prevail.   Even during the low carb. craze, we stood firm and never produced as much as one low carb. product.   Amazingly enough, while other bakeries were facing as much as 40% in declining sales, we were seeing increases.   Once again this proved to us that truth will weather any storm.   We believe that balance is truly the key to optimal health.   Too much of anything will more then likely lead to problems.   You know your body better then anyone.   Pay attention to what it tells you, to how you feel when eating different foods and in different combinations...including ours.   Every one of us is different, not because we were necessarily born different, but because our life styles and our habits have made us all prone and susceptible to different things.

Whole Grains:   

Each portion of the grain contains different vitamins, nutrients, proteins, antioxidants, minerals, healthy fats and fiber.    This is why it is so important to eat "whole" grains.   When you remove one portion, it loses much of its original nutritional value.

The fibers found in whole grains are called "insoluble" fibers.   Insoluble fibers help prevent constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis.   Whole grains can also help lower cholesterol levels.   According to the Whole Grains Council due to the phytochemicals and antioxidants found in whole grains, people who eat 3 servings of whole grains per day have been shown to reduce their risk of heart disease by 25-36%...stroke by 37%...Type II Diabetes by 21-27%, digestive system cancers by 21-43% and hormone related cancers by 10-40%.   For more information and serving size guidelines check out their web site at www.wholegrainscouncil.com .    Since fiber in one's diet help to provide a feeling of "fullness" in addition to it being digested more slowly, it can be very beneficial in weight loss programs.  

When grains are refined or turned into white flour the germ and the bran is removed.   Many manufacturers attempt to replace the high quality vitamins, nutrients and fibers after the refining process.   However, regardless of their attempts, a great amount of Mother Nature's goodness has been lost forever.  

The USDA lists guidelines and servings of whole grains on their web site based upon gender and age.   For serving size recommendations for your gender and age check out www.usda.gov/cnpp .  

Don't be fooled by labels

To truly know if you are purchasing whole grain products...check out the ingredient label first.   The ingredient label on the package must state "whole grain" or "whole flour"...the word "Whole" is the key and should be listed as the "first" ingredient on the label.   Ingredients listed on labels are listed in the order of what the entire product has the most of.   So if "whole grain or whole flour" is listed as the second ingredient, it could contain as little as 1% or as much as 49% whole grains.   In other words it could contain a little bit or nearly half.   Don't be fooled into thinking you are getting better then you really are.   The truth is on the ingredient label.   The law prohibits manufacturers from making false statements on ingredient labels.   So don't be taken in by a fancy name or a name that leads you to believe it's a whole grain product.   The only way to know the truth is through the ingredient label.  

Don't be fooled by color  

Don't be fooled by breads that are brown in color either...that may give a perception of it being a whole grain bread.   Most of them are anything but whole grain breads.   Manufacturers may use many different types of colorings/ingredients to give their breads a "whole" grain look.   So once again remember...the truth is on the ingredient label.  

Berlin Natural Bakery "Whole" Spelt Products:

We stone grind our "whole" spelt grain into "whole" spelt flour daily on site at our bakery.   Less than 2% of the entire grain is lost which is amazing indeed. Our flour doesn't sit around for months losing its nutritional value and also making it susceptible to pests.   Yes, our FIRST ingredient on our labels is "whole spelt flour."   After all, you wouldn't expect anything less then the best from us now would you?   Over the years I have met with many business consultants.   Their focus is always on profit and the bottom line.   We don't need a consultant to tell us how to do that.   Our company's focus is on keeping the high quality standards that we are known for and committed too...they are the only thing that will keep us around long term.   Our commitments are to our customers and their health.   We do what we do for the right reasons...we do it for you!