Whole Wheat Flour Bleached

Whole wheat flour is made from the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. The 'bleached' designation means it has been treated with a bleaching agent, such as chlorine gas or benzoyl peroxide, to whiten the flour and age it more quickly. This process can slightly alter the flour's protein structure.

Manufacturers use bleached whole wheat flour for its baking properties, providing structure and texture in baked goods. It is commonly found in products like breads, rolls, pizza crusts, and some cookies and baking mixes.

In the US, bleached whole wheat flour is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The bleaching process does not significantly alter the nutritional value of the whole grain. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated flour and its processing aids. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from consuming bleached whole wheat flour at typical dietary levels.