Whole Grains 101

whole grains 101

Fiber in Whole Grains

As the table below illustrates, different whole grains vary widely in their fiber content. A full serving of whole grains -- 16 grams of whole grains -- will contain from just over a half gram of fiber to around 3 grams of fiber.

Grain% fiber
Fiber in 16g of this Grain
amaranth
15.2%
2.4 grams
barley
17.3%
2.8 grams
brown rice
3.5%
0.6 grams
buckwheat
10.0%
1.6 grams
bulgur wheat
18.3%2.9 grams
corn
7.3%
1.2 grams
Kamut® grain19.2%
3.1 grams
millet
8.5%
1.4 grams
oats
10.6%
1.7 grams
quinoa
5.9%
0.9 grams
rye
14.6%
2.3 grams
sorghum
9.0%1.4 grams
triticale
14.6%
2.3 grams
wheat
12.2%
2.0 grams
wild rice
6.2%
1.0 grams

All values from USDA National Nutrient Database SR 17, except Kamut from independent tests submitted by Montana Flour & Grains.

In the U.S., foods labeled "High in Fiber" must contain at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. Most foods must have added fiber (extra bran, resistant starch or other fibers) in addition to whole grains, to be considered high fiber foods.

Some people mistakenly believe that a food really isn't made with whole grain, if it isn't high in fiber. As the figures on this page illustrate, fiber alone is not a good gauge of whether a product is truly a whole grain food.

All information on this website is © 2003-2013, Oldways Preservation Trust/Whole Grains Council, unless otherwise noted.