CCTV exposes fake whole wheat bread using caramel coloring

CCTV has exposed a trend of “fake whole wheat” bread in the market, where products marketed as healthy are actually composed primarily of refined wheat flour. Some manufacturers use caramel coloring to create a dark brown appearance or add trace amounts of bran to mislead consumers seeking low-sugar or weight-loss options.

Experts warn that these products act as “calorie bombs” because they have very low dietary fiber content. This can lead to poor satiety and rapid spikes in blood sugar, posing a significant risk to diabetic patients. To avoid these traps, experts recommend three identification methods:

1. Check the ingredient list: The first ingredient must be “whole wheat flour.” If it lists “wheat flour” or “refined wheat flour” first, it is not true whole wheat. 2. Verify content: According to industry standards, whole grain products should contain at least 25% whole grains. If the content is lower or listed toward the end of the ingredients, it is technically a “flavored multi-grain food.” 3. Do not rely on color: A dark brown color does not guarantee health, as it may simply be the result of added caramel coloring.