However, since China currently lacks a standardized definition for whole wheat bread and wheat bread, confusion exists not only among consumers but even within the industry. When reporters consulted industry experts on the question of "what exactly qualifies as whole wheat bread," representatives from chain bakeries stated that without domestic standards, it's difficult for them to define it—even bakers themselves struggle to provide a clear answer.
Observations at supermarkets selling whole wheat bread reveal a shift over the past year: while previously favored mainly by foreigners and returnees, it now attracts roughly equal numbers of local and foreign customers—a trend particularly pronounced in foreign-populated areas like Tianhe. Yet for many consumers, what truly constitutes "whole wheat bread" remains unclear.
Most whole wheat bread sold in stores doesn't clearly state its whole wheat flour content. Consumers often buy it simply because it's labeled "whole wheat," without knowing how much whole wheat is actually in their purchase. Moreover, many consumers equate wheat flour bread with whole wheat bread.A small survey conducted by this reporter among friends revealed that most people believe any bread made entirely from wheat flour is whole wheat bread. This is actually a significant misconception. Wheat flour is simply flour, the white flour we commonly consume, which is typically highly refined.
However, since China currently lacks a defined standard for whole wheat bread or wheat bread, it's not just consumers who are confused—even industry insiders are unclear on the matter.When this reporter consulted industry experts on "what exactly qualifies as whole wheat bread," a chain bakery representative stated that without domestic standards for whole wheat bread, even they struggle to define it—and bakers themselves can't clearly explain it.Donghaidang, however, clarified that they currently offer only one type of whole wheat loaf, primarily made with whole wheat flour or white flour blended with bran. Thus, their whole wheat bread could also be called bran loaf. This concludes our explanation that bread made with wheat flour isn't necessarily whole wheat bread. We hope you now have a clearer understanding. Finally, we sincerely wish you good health and happiness.