Chocolate Chip Cookies: Enriched Wheat Flour

Enriched wheat flour is refined wheat flour that has added B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron. It is made by milling wheat grains into flour and then adding back these essential nutrients, which are partially lost during the refining process. This process ensures the flour provides nutritional benefits beyond basic carbohydrates.

Manufacturers use enriched wheat flour as a primary ingredient in a vast array of baked goods and other food products. Its gluten content provides structure and elasticity, making it ideal for bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, and crackers. It serves as the base for many staple foods, contributing texture and bulk.

Enriched wheat flour is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The added vitamins and iron help prevent deficiencies in the population. While it is a source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy, excessive intake of refined carbohydrates may be linked to health concerns. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated flour enrichment standards.