Dine & Cook

Kraft Foods plans to significantly increase the whole grain content in its Nabisco cracker brands-- more than doubling the amount of whole grain currently used.

The change will take place over the next three years and affects the Wheat Thins, Honey Maid, Premium and Ritz brands.

"Nine out of ten Americans eat less than the recommended daily amount of whole grains," said Rhonda Jordan, President, Global Health & Wellness, Kraft Foods. "And a growing number of consumers are trying to increase their consumption of whole grains. By significantly increasing the amount of whole grain in our crackers, we're giving them an easy, delicious way to get the whole grain they need in the foods they already enjoy."

The company also plans to make a number of their products, including Original Wheat Thins and Honey Maid Original Graham Crackers, with 100 percent whole grain.

The move follows years of research by Kraft Foods in its flour milling technology and recipe development.  The company will be using whole grain wheat flour to increase the whole grain content of their products. Whole grain wheat flour is milled using the entire wheat kernel-- bran, endosperm and germ-- to offer the benefits of whole grain.

"It was critical for us to get the recipe right to deliver the benefits of whole grain without sacrificing the taste consumers expect from their favorite crackers," said Carlos Abrams Rivera, Vice President for Nabisco crackers. "Just adding whole grain can change a product's flavor and, in the case of crackers, can make them denser and grittier. But the combination of the right recipe and ingredients can help us maintain delicious taste and texture while adding significant levels of whole grain."

This week's announcement follows a move earlier this year by Kraft Foods to reduce sodium by an average of 10 percent across its North American portfolio of products, including crackers.  Over the past five years, Kraft Foods has reformulated about one in four products in the United States to make them healthier for consumers.

"We're accelerating our efforts in health and wellness because it's good for consumers and good for business," said Jordan. "Whether it's adding more whole grain, reducing sodium or removing calories from our products, we're making the foods consumers love even better."

According to nutritionists, most Americans only get about one serving, 16 grams, of whole grain a day.  Nutritionists recommend at minimum three servings of whole grain a day, at least 48 grams.