What does ‘Multigrain’ really mean?
Also listed as: made with whole grains, atta-maida blend
Short answer
Multigrain only means more than one grain is used. It doesn’t mean whole grain, and many multigrain breads and biscuits are mostly refined flour.
What it is
A marketing term for products containing several grains such as wheat, oats, ragi, jowar or barley.
Where you’ll see it
Bread, biscuits, chips, atta blends and breakfast cereals.
+ The good side
- Different grains can add variety and some fibre
− The other side
- The first ingredient is often refined wheat flour (maida)
- Extra grains may be present in tiny amounts
- Brown colour can come from caramel, not whole grains
Who should pay attention
Anyone choosing bread or biscuits for fibre or blood-sugar control.
💡 What to do: Look for ‘whole wheat flour’ or a whole grain as the first ingredient, and fibre of at least 6 g per 100 g.
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Maida (refined wheat flour)
Not harmful in itself, but it has had most of the fibre and many nutrients removed, so it raises blood sugar faster and keeps you full for less time than whole wheat.
Caramel colour
Approved and considered safe within limits. It is mostly a cosmetic additive; some types contain a by-product that regulators cap, so very high cola intake is worth limiting anyway.
General food information, not medical advice. Exact limits and labelling rules vary by country. If you have a medical condition or allergy, follow your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice.