Types of grains

Foods made from grains fall into these categories:

• Whole grains. Whole grains have all parts of the grain. Whole-grain flour is ground from whole grains. Examples of whole-grain food include brown rice, oatmeal and whole-grain breads.
• Refined grains. Refined grains have the germ and bran removed. These grains have a finer texture and a longer food storage life. This process takes out nearly all of the fiber and many other nutrients. Food with refined grains include white rice and most white breads, pastries, cakes, and crackers.
• Enriched grains. The nutrients removed from refined grains may be added back. These refined grains are called enriched grains. For example, when rice is refined, it loses vitamins, minerals and fiber. Enriched white rice has these vitamins and minerals added back. Fiber usually isn't replaced in enriched grains.
• Fortified grains. Foods also may have nutrients added that aren't naturally there. Or food may get a boost in the nutrients that are naturally there. Foods with these extra nutrients are called fortified foods. For example, many breads and breakfast cereals are fortified with folic acid and iron.

The terms "enriched" and "fortified" are often used to mean the same thing. The important point is that whole grain is the most nutritious choice. "Enriched" and "fortified" mean that there is some added benefit.