Is White Wheat Bread Healthy?

Most people realize that whole wheat bread is better for them than processed white bread - but not everyone enjoys the deeper texture and more pronounced flavor of wheat. Fortunately, the bread industry has listened and made white whole wheat bread available which most grocery stores now carry - but is it really a good choice? Is white whole wheat bread healthy?

Whole Wheat Bread vs. White Bread: What's the Difference?

Whole wheat bread is made using the entire wheat kernel - including the germ, endosperm, and the outer layer, or bran, whereas the germ and the bran - the portions containing most of the fiber and the vitamins - are removed during the processing of white bread. As a result, white bread lacks the fiber and vitamin content of whole wheat bread, although white bread is usually fortified to add back some of the vitamins removed during processing. Even then it's not as nutritious or fiber rich as unprocessed wheat bread.

What is White Whole Wheat Bread?

Like darker wheat breads, white whole wheat bread is made using the entire wheat kernel - but a kernel that's white in color - rather than dark red. Even though it's white, it hasn't undergone the processing that traditional white bread has, so it's still considered to be a whole grain bread. White whole wheat bread and darker whole wheat bread are equal from a nutritional perspective - and both are healthier than processed white bread.

The Advantages of Eating White Whole Wheat Bread

The main advantage of eating white whole wheat bread is taste. Although some people enjoy the richer flavor and texture of dark whole wheat bread - many don't. White whole wheat bread has a milder taste that's vaguely sweet and suits the palates of people who have grown up on white bread. It also has a smoother, less grainy texture - making it a good choice for kids.

The Bottom Line?

If you don't like the taste of whole wheat bread but still want a fiber-rich bread, look for white whole wheat bread at your local grocery store. Always check the package and make sure whole wheat, whole rye, or whole oat is the first ingredient listed. Don't be fooled by labels that list "multi-grain", "made with whole wheat", "cracked wheat", or "seven grain" which may contain refined grains. It pays to be an informed bread buyer.