Australians are being encouraged to put whole grains on the menu this November as the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) celebrates Whole Grain Week 2025, held from 17 to 23 November in line with International Whole Grain Day on 19 November.
With the theme Whole Grains for Whole Future, this year's campaign highlights how choosing whole grains supports long-term health, affordability, and sustainability, helping to build a healthier future for individuals, families, and the nation.
Despite national nutrition targets and research-based guidance, intakes of whole grains and fibre remain well below recommended levels. Around 75 per cent of Australians do not reach the suggested 48 grams of whole grain per day, leaving many missing out on the protective benefits associated with higher intakes. Regular whole grain consumption is linked with reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, yet national data shows a persistent gap between recommendations and reality.
"Increasing whole grain consumption would be a small change with a big impact," said Ms Kathy La Macchia, General Manager of GLNC. "It is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve health outcomes. By choosing whole grain foods, such as bread, pasta or breakfast cereals, Australians can help reduce their risk of chronic disease while supporting a more sustainable food system," she said.
To mark Whole Grain Day on 19 November, GLNC will host a breakfast event at Refettorio OzHarvest to discuss opportunities to boost whole grain consumption in Australia. Speakers will share new GLNC consumer insights on what drives or deters whole grain choices and discuss lessons from international initiatives. The event will emphasise the importance of collaboration across industry, health and government sectors to reinvigorate Australia's whole grain conversation.
A public cooking class hosted by Grams of Health will also take place on Whole Grain Day, showcasing simple, budget-friendly recipes that make whole grains the hero of the plate. GLNC has launched a suite of free digital resources, including a new Whole Grain Recipe Book and practical tools to help Australians make the switch to whole grain choices.
Ms La Macchia said this year's theme underscores the critical role of whole grains in supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians. "At a time when chronic disease prevention and cost of living are national priorities, whole grains offer incredible value. They are nutrient-rich, versatile and accessible, and increasing consumption can have measurable benefits for public health. By collaborating across sectors, we can make whole grains a central part of the Australian diet and build a healthier, more resilient future," she said.
Whole Grain Week is part of GLNC's ongoing commitment to improving public health through better nutrition. The campaign encourages all Australians to make whole grains part of every meal and every day.
Free resources and recipes are available at www.glnc.org.au/whole-grain-week-2025.
About us:
The Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC) is a health promotion charity and not-for-profit organisation. It is the nutrition knowledge centre on grains and legumes.
