• The consumption of whole grains in Romania, according to a study carried out by the company Nestlé, remains relatively low.
The study conducted by Nestlé company in collaboration with the research agency MASMI shows that, although Romanians know the benefits of whole grains, they only consume them 2-3 times a month.
The figures provided on November 15, 2022, during the fourth edition of the International Day of Whole Grains, confirm that 84% of Romanians know that whole grains are rich in fiber, 69% also recognizing the role of these foods in reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases . Only 36% of consumers consider taste as a factor in avoiding whole grain products.
However, the consumption of whole grains in Romania remains low. Only 16% of Romanians consume whole grains more than 5 times a week. Among children, the average cereal consumption is 3 times a week, 28% consuming 2-3 times a week, 21% 4-5 times a week and 18% more than 5 times a week.
The importance of whole grains
During the meeting held on the occasion of the International Day of Whole Grains, the experts in nutrition and sustainable development and the top organizations dedicated to the promotion of whole grains, brought together in the partnership "Whole Grain Initiative", discussed the importance of whole grains in creating healthier, more sustainable and more resilient global food systems.
To highlight the global importance of introducing whole grains into food systems, this initiative is joined by the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Eating whole grains is not only good for people's health, but also for the planet. In 2019, the Commission Lancet proposed a healthy world diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low in sugar, oil, fat. They suggested that this new way of eating could reduce wildlife extinction by up to 46%, halt deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food production by at least 30%.
Healthy breakfast
Nicolae Iacob, Business Executive Officer at Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW), Nestlé's breakfast cereal division, states: “Our goal is to make breakfast better and healthier. For almost two decades, we have been evolving and adapting our recipes to increase the amount of whole grains in our products. As a result, we have increased the amount of whole grains in our breakfast cereals by over 50% on average. With the exception of Corn Flakes, in all products sold on the Romanian market, whole grains are the number 1 ingredient. 100% of children's breakfast cereals have whole grains as the main ingredient."
Nicoleta Tupiță, licensed dietician and Nutrition Manager within Nestlé Romania, Bulgaria and the Adriatic Countries adds: "In the last 20 years, we have managed to reduce the salt content by 25% and the sugar content by 20% in our breakfast cereals. Nestlé breakfast cereals also contain no artificial colors or flavors.
Added vitamins
Because we are the world's largest food company, we are in a unique position – we are on the tables of millions of families every morning. we can help our consumers increase their intake of whole grains starting with the first meal of the day. All our baby cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. Many nutrition guides claim that fortified foods are one of the important sources of vitamin D especially during the cold season when sun exposure is limited.”
In order to increase the consumption of cereals among the Romanian population, the National Institute of Public Health and ROMALIMENTA (Federation of Food Industry Employers) have signed a collaboration protocol through which they aim to create a favorable context for the adoption of healthy nutritional behavior for the Romanian population .
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
Read on White Art and: Oats - our favorite morning cereal
