Enriched Flour–Why To Avoid It - Ola's Bakery

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Enriched Flour–Why to avoid it

Ola Rokita29 July 2018Comments (6)

Enriched Flour

Enriched Flour – The word enriched can be very misleading when it comes to flour. The term enriched flour can easily be interpreted that the flour is enhanced, and therefore better for you.

But in this case the word “enriched” is actually misleading. Because it leads you to think that you’re eating something better and healthier for you, when in fact you’re not.

Enriched means adding synthetic nutrients and elements to the flour

Essentially enriched flour is one where natural nutrients (bran and germ) are first stripped out of wheat. Then synthetic vitamins and nutrients are added to the flour. Hence, the flour is enriched by these synthetic vitamins.

Why strip the flour of its nutrients only to then add them back again?

Because it prolongs the shelf-life. And consequently bread made out of enriched flour also stays fresh longer. For example, bread made out of non-enriched Polish flour stays fresh for about two days. Bread made out of enriched flour can stay fresh between two weeks to about a month, and in some cases even longer if other preservatives are added.

Enriched flour means longer shelf life, but potential weight gain for you

When wheat is stripped of it’s natural minerals and nutrients, such as germ and bran, your body no longer absorbs flour the way it would absorb flour made from the wheat left in its entirety.

Enriched flour is absorbed as sugar and stored as fat. Whereas whole wheat flour takes longer to be absorbed, giving you a steady level of blood sugar and energy.

Be a discerning label reader!

Most breads you’ll find in grocery stores are made with enriched flour. Just look at the label and read the very first ingredient. You’ll quickly discover that in the U.S. it’s very difficult to find breads that are not made with enriched flour.

Therefore, the first step to eating healthier, not just flour-based foods, but other foods too, is to read labels and avoid breads, cakes, or cereals made with enriched flour.

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If you want to bake simple rye bread read this post >>

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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Ellen September 21, 2020 at 20:01

Hello Ola! I love your blog and will try some of your bread recipes. I usually use King Arthur bread flour to make my bread. I’ve tried using whole wheat flour, but my family likes the regular flour better. I am interested in your comments about using Polish flour. Would it be better than King Arthur flour?

Ola Rokita September 21, 2020 at 22:26

Hi Ellen! Thank you for visiting my blog. I think King Arthur flour is great for bread baking and it’s a quality flour. Personally I prefer to stay away from enriched flours because of the use of synthetic nutrients that are being added to the flour versus enjoying the natural nutrients that are already part of the milled wheat without any intervention.

Many European flours are not synthetically supplemented with nutrients and vitamins. They are naturally rich in iron, protein, or B6 vitamin. The other part I like about Polish flour specifically is the wheat-rich taste, better defined type for specific uses in baking, and that it’s made from a softer wheat type grown typically in Poland and Ukraine. I found that the flour made from softer wheat is easier for my tummy to digest and makes me feel less bloated. I also found that I’m satisfied with smaller portions of bread, and the flour gives my recipes a more authentic taste that I remember from Europe.

That being said, many people enjoy baking with U.S. all-purpose flour and they don’t notice a difference. So, it’s a personal preference and oftentimes, convenient to bake with what you have available in your local grocery store.

If you would care to experiment, there is a Polish store in Vienna and they sell polish flour if you would like to try it out. Start with type 550 “Luksusowa” if you plan on baking simple bread or baguettes.

I think it’s awesome that you bake your bread at home! It’s a healthier option and satisfying to enjoy the bread you made from scratch.

Stay healthy!

Ola

Christie July 29, 2022 at 14:30

Hi Ola,

I have a question. My great vale (Walmart brand) pasta doesn’t say “enriched” but it lists all the same ingredients as boxes that do. Does that mean they are trying to trick me to think it’s not?

For example the penne noodles box says: semolina (wheat), niacin, ferrous sulfate (iron), thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid.

My mac and cheese box says enriched macaroni (wheat flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid).

So is one ok and one not?

Thanks for the help 🙂 Christie

Sonya Moses September 28, 2023 at 16:38

Hi Ola, i’m loving your blog!! I live in the US and I’m struggling with diabetes and I’m am allergic to folic acid which seems to be in so many wheat products in the US. I’m determined to help myself by finding and making good eating choices. I’m looking for flour that is non GMO, that doesn’t contain folic acid, and that doesn’t have all the chemicals in it that I could consume safely. I’m reading the comments in your blog and noticed that you recommended a Polish store in Vienna and that they sell polish flour. Would they be a source that sells this kind of flour? If so, I would love their contact information so that I can source from them. Do you happen to have the contact information?

Sonya

Ola Rokita October 2, 2023 at 19:40

Hi Sonya,

Thanks for reaching out. As far as I am aware, folic acid, in addition to niacin, iron and few other nutrients, are added to wheat flour in countries like United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This is why you’ll notice that in many wheat-based products made in the US or Canada, in the ingredients it will say, “Enriched Flour”. In Poland, flour is not synthetically enriched and most wheat flours have these minerals and nutrients occurring naturally. The store in Virginia sells all kinds of flours, but I’m not sure that they ship flour. You can try calling them, the store is called Polka Deli and their number 703-261-6385 to find out. I also have some flour types in my “Flour Shop” that I ship, located in the right-hand side column or the top menu, if you’re interested in trying it and see if you notice a difference.

Thanks, Ola

Oren November 16, 2025 at 19:04

Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.

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Tag » What Is In Enriched Wheat Flour

Enriched Flour–Why To Avoid It - Ola's Bakery

Learn about Polish flour types and how to use them to bake healthier recipes and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. By Ola Rokita.

Ola Rokita

Enriched means adding synthetic nutrients and elements to the flour

Why strip the flour of its nutrients only to then add them back again?

Enriched flour means longer shelf life, but potential weight gain for you

Be a discerning label reader!

Ola Rokita

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