Fewer Australians are limiting grain foods like breads and breakfast cereals in a major turnaround that's set to benefit grain growers and food processors, according to the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council (GLNC).
The number of people limiting grain foods has fallen to 47 per cent, down from 60 per cent in 2014, according to the GLNC's 2017 Consumption Study of 1,200 Australians.
2014 saw a massive 30 per cent decline in average daily serves of grain foods, which the GLNC attributed to the rise of Paleo, low carb, and gluten-free diets.
The study, which aims to measure and track the consumption of grain foods and legumes in Australia, also found that consumption of legumes, including beans, peas and lentils, has risen an additional four per cent since 2014 to reach 28 per cent.
Another finding was that more Australians - almost 60 per cent - still consume refined grains over whole grains.
GLNC general manager Dr Sara Grafenauer said that although grain avoidance has fallen and legume consumption is up, alot of Australians are still consuming refined grains over whole grains.
"We're really falling short in terms of whole grain foods, and if we look at the research this is where the big benefits are. We are looking at 20 to 30 per cent reductions in all those big diseases if we can get whole grain right."
The GLNC is an independent, not for profit organisation funded by companies in the supply chain, including growers, food manufacturers and industry associations.
