Enriched

Enriched refers to a food that has had nutrients added back into it that were lost during processing. Typically, this applies to refined grains like white flour, where B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron are added back. The enrichment process aims to restore the nutritional value of the grain.

Enrichment is most common in refined grain products such as bread, pasta, rice, and cereals. Manufacturers enrich these foods to improve their nutritional profile and to compensate for nutrient losses during milling. This helps consumers obtain important vitamins and minerals that might otherwise be lacking in their diet.

In the US, enriched flour is a common ingredient, and the added nutrients are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. These added nutrients play vital roles in energy metabolism and red blood cell formation. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many of the added vitamins and minerals, and EFSA has also assessed their safety. At typical consumption levels, enriched grains contribute positively to nutrient intake without known adverse effects.