Want to know more about whole grains?
You've come to the right place. We've answered some common questions about whole grains to provide you with the basics about what they are and why they're important.
What are whole grains?
All grains start as whole grains. Grains such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, quinoa, sorghum, spelt and rye are considered whole grains when eaten in their "whole" form. Papa John's whole wheat crust is made with 100% whole grains.
What makes a whole grain whole?
Whole grains
must contain all three parts of a grain:
- Bran: Outer layer that contains fiber
- Germ: Core of the grain that is full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants & fiber
- Endosperm: Starchy middle layer that provides numerous carbohydrates.
Is multi-grain the same as whole grain?
Not necessarily. Multi-grain just means several different grains have been used together, such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. Not all multi-grain products use the entire grain; many are made with just endosperm. Without the bran and germ found in a whole grain, approximately 25% of a grain's protein is lost, along with at least 17 key nutrients. That's why Papa John's whole wheat crust is made with 100% whole grains.
How many servings of grains does the USDA recommend?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating six servings of grains a day, three or more of which should be whole grains. One slice of pizza on Papa John's whole wheat crust satisfies 80% of the recommended daily amount.
What does 100% whole wheat mean?
A 100% whole wheat product has been made with ALL whole grains versus multiple refined grains, refined flours or other partial mixes. Papa John's whole wheat crust is made with 100% whole wheat flour.