What is the Difference Between Wholemeal Bread and Wholegrain Bread?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between wholemeal bread and wholegrain bread lies in the type of grain used and the processing of the grain. Here are the key differences:

  • Wholemeal Bread: This type of bread is made from wholegrains that have been milled to a fine texture, giving a plain brown appearance. It contains more vitamins and minerals than many white breads but has a higher glycemic index (GI) than wholegrain breads. Wholemeal bread is made from wholegrains that have been ground down to form a flour.
  • Wholegrain Bread: Wholegrain bread contains the entire grain, including the bran (outer layer), endosperm (starchy middle layer), and germ (nutrient-rich inner part). It is a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, unsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and three types of fiber: soluble, insoluble, and resistant starch. Wholegrain bread is denser and has a lower GI than wholemeal bread. Wholegrain products can use the whole grain from wheat or other grains like barley, brown rice, and whole oats.

In summary, wholemeal bread is made from finely milled wholegrains, while wholegrain bread contains the entire grain kernel and may include a variety of grains. Wholegrain bread is generally considered healthier due to its lower GI and higher fiber content.

Comparative Table: Wholemeal Bread vs Wholegrain Bread

Here is a table outlining the differences between wholemeal and wholegrain bread:

Property Wholemeal Bread Wholegrain Bread
Definition Bread made using flour from the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm [3 Bread made using flour from one or several types of grains, in addition to wheat, and including the entire kernel of each grain [3
Grain Types Contains only whole wheat flour [3 Can contain various grains, such as amaranth, barley, corn, millet, quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum, teff, triticale, and wheat [3
Nutrition Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals due to the presence of the entire wheat kernel [3 Offers a wider range of nutrients, as it includes multiple types of grains and their entire kernels [3
Taste and Texture Typically has a dense and hearty texture with a mild nutty flavor [1 Often has a mix of grains and seeds, resulting in a varied and dense texture with a distinct nutty flavor [1

Both wholemeal and wholegrain breads are considered healthier options compared to white bread, as they provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, wholegrain bread offers a wider range of nutrients due to the inclusion of multiple types of grains, while wholemeal bread is exclusively made from whole wheat.