Cracked Wheat

Cracked wheat is a whole grain product made from wheat kernels that have been cleaned, steamed, dried, and then crushed or cut into smaller pieces. This process makes the grain quicker to cook than whole wheat berries.

Manufacturers add cracked wheat to products to provide a chewy texture, increase fiber content, and add a nutty flavor. It is commonly found in breads, buns, and other baked goods, as well as in grain salads and pilafs.

Cracked wheat is a whole grain, offering dietary fiber and various nutrients. The FDA recognizes whole grains as part of a healthy diet. There are no specific regulatory statuses like 'approved additive' or 'GRAS' for whole food ingredients like cracked wheat, as it is considered a food itself. JECFA and EFSA do not typically evaluate whole food ingredients in the same way they do food additives.