Chocolate Cookies: Enriched Flour

Enriched flour is refined wheat flour that has had specific nutrients added back after processing. These typically include B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron. The enrichment process helps restore nutrients lost during the milling of wheat into white flour.

Manufacturers use enriched flour as a base ingredient in a wide variety of baked goods and grain products. Its neutral flavor and functional properties make it ideal for breads, pasta, cakes, cookies, and breakfast cereals, providing structure and texture to these foods.

Enriched flour is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The added nutrients contribute to the diet, and folic acid enrichment is credited with reducing neural tube defects. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated flour and its enrichment, and EFSA has also assessed folic acid. Typical intake from enriched flour is not associated with adverse health effects.