Food Service Gets Whole Grain Stamp

Roseanne Harper

BOSTON — The Whole Grains Council expanded the use of its Whole Grain Stamp this year with the launch of a version that's suited for food-service menus.

While the Whole Grain Menu Symbol shows the familiar grain-sheaf image that's a fixture on an increasing number of packaged goods, it features a simpler design to make it stand out better on a menu.

“We pared down the [design of the] stamp to its essence so it will print clearly on menus,” explained Cynthia Harriman, director of food and nutrition strategies for Oldways and the Whole Grains Council.

The number of QSRs offering a whole-grain bun as an option for their sandwiches continues to grow. McDonald's has been featuring a whole-grain bun for its premium chicken sandwich for quite a while and offers as an option a whole wheat bun for its Deli Choices sandwiches.

Meanwhile, Ruby Tuesday is offering whole-grain wraps and brown rice pilaf as standard items on its menus, while Olive Garden is making whole wheat linguini an option for any pasta dish.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro/Pei Wei Asian Diner last year won the Whole Grains Council's Whole Grain Challenge in the casual/family dining category for selling 10 million pounds of brown rice during the year.