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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add bleached enriched flour to baked goods like breads, cakes, cookies, and tortillas. …
What it is
Bleached enriched flour is made from wheat that has been milled into flour. The flour is then treated with a bleaching agent, such as benzoyl peroxide or chlorine gas, to make it whiter and improve its baking properties. Enrichment involves adding back B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron that are lost during processing.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add bleached enriched flour to baked goods like breads, cakes, cookies, and tortillas. It provides structure and texture to these products. Its refined nature and consistent quality make it a common choice for many processed foods.
Health notes
Bleached enriched flour is considered safe by the FDA for use in food. The enrichment process adds back important nutrients. Some people prefer unbleached flour due to concerns about the bleaching process, but scientific evidence does not indicate significant health risks from consuming bleached flour at typical intake levels. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated flour and its components.
Allergen info
Bleached enriched flour is derived from wheat, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It contains gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.