Bread is a core food and a staple worldwide. In Australia, bread is often enriched with micronutrients to combat nutrient deficiencies and offers a convenient way to increase whole grain consumption, which most Australians consume inadequately.
However, according to the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC), not all breads are created equal. The GLNC has created a free report based on its comprehensive category audit across Australia’s major supermarkets. The report analyses almost 800 bread products to determine the overall state of the category, including nutrition content, percentage of whole grain breads, and trends.
While bread’s nutritional content has improved slightly over the years, the report underscores that only 17 per cent of bread products meet the criteria to be considered whole grain, pointing to a clear opportunity for growth in this area.
Kathy La Macchia, General Manager of GLNC, states, “Bread can be a convenient way to increase whole grain consumption, yet many consumers are unaware of how to identify whole grain products. By prioritising whole grains and improving whole grain labelling in bread products, we can help improve the nutritional quality of Australian diets.”
Among the report’s key findings is the significant trend towards plant-based and artisanal bread options. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, there is an increasing demand for breads that align with these values, including those that emphasise whole grains and natural ingredients.
The report also highlights the need for better education about bread’s nutritional benefits.
Many consumers hold misconceptions about the healthfulness of bread, often influenced by diet trends that vilify carbohydrates. “It’s essential to correct this misinformation and promote bread as a nutritious component of a balanced diet,” Mrs La Macchia adds.
As the demand for healthier and more sustainable food options continues to rise, the GLNC’s bread report serves as a vital resource for the food industry. It guides manufacturers in developing products that meet the evolving preferences of Australian consumers and supports the industry in providing consumers with the information they need to make informed food choices.
Download the full report here.
Download the summarised fact sheet for health professionals here.
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Media Enquiries
Toni Gam, GLNC Industry Engagement Manager
e. tonig@glnc.org.au
About the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council
The Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) is a not-for-profit organisation and health promotion charity. GLNC is Australia’s independent authority on the nutrition and health benefits of grains and legumes. GLNC promotes the role of grains and legumes as part of a balanced diet through evidence-based information while supporting the industry to benefit all Australians.
