Unbromated & Unenriched

This phrase describes flour or grain products that have not undergone two common processing steps. "Unbromated" means that potassium bromate, a dough conditioner, has not been added. "Unenriched" means that nutrients like iron and B vitamins, which are often removed during the milling of refined grains, have not been added back.

Manufacturers use unbromated and unenriched flours, often whole grain or specialty flours, to produce items like pasta, bread, and baked goods. The "unbromated" label appeals to consumers seeking products without certain additives, while "unenriched" is typical for whole grain products where natural nutrient content is preserved.

"Unbromated" indicates the absence of potassium bromate, a flour improver. The FDA permits potassium bromate as an additive, but its use has decreased, and California will ban it in food products from 2027. JECFA has evaluated potassium bromate and concluded it is not appropriate for use as a flour treatment agent, citing concerns about its potential to cause cancer in animals at high doses. "Unenriched" means that nutrients like iron and B vitamins (folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine) that are often lost during grain processing have not been added back. While enrichment of refined grains is a public health measure in the US to prevent deficiencies, whole grain flours are naturally more nutrient-dense and are typically not enriched.