What is the Difference Between Sprouted Wheat and Whole Wheat

The main difference between sprouted wheat and whole wheat is that sprouted wheat tends to contain more nutrients than whole wheat.

Sprouted wheat and whole wheat are available as flour, bread and other bakery products. Both these types of wheat are healthier than regular wheat or refined wheat. Most people consider sprouted wheat to be healthier than whole wheat. However, they contain the same nutrients, and the difference is actually in the quantities of the nutrients.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Sprouted Wheat 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Whole Wheat
     – Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Sprouted Wheat and Whole Wheat
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Sprouted Wheat and Whole Wheat
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Sprouted Wheat, Wheat, Whole Wheat

What is Sprouted Wheat

Sprouted wheat refers to wheat grains that have just begun to sprout (put out shoots). Generally, in order to catch the sprouts at the right moment, you have to soak the grains and nurture them in an environment with controlled amounts of moisture and warmth. You can easily do it at home, for example, in a vented jar. This is also available as a store-bought product, manufactured with special equipment.

It’s important to note that eating raw sprouted wheat is not very healthy. This is because the moist environment can promote bacterial growth. Therefore, you can make them into a paste or cook them before adding them to a meal. Cooking or baking can kill any bacteria. Sprouted wheat is available as flour, bread, and other various food items like buns, muffins, tortillas, and crackers. You’ll also need to refrigerate cooked sprouted wheat.

Figure 01: Sprouted Wheat

Sprouted grains have many health benefits due to their germinating process. Germinating breaks down some of the starch, which makes the percentage of nutrients higher. Sprouted wheat may also have less starch and is easier to digest than regular wheat.

What is Whole Wheat

Whole wheat refers to whole grains of wheat that include the husk or outer layer. Whole wheat flour and other products contain all three forms of a grain kernel: original bran, germ, and endosperm. Bran is the fibrous outer layer of the kernel that’s rich in B vitamins and other minerals, while germ is rich in a variety of nutrients, such as vitamin E, B vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. The endosperm is the largest part of the kernel, containing starchy carbs. Refined wheat or white flours usually contain only the endosperm.

Figure 02: Whole Wheat Flour

The term whole wheat is mainly used for products that only use the entire wheat kernel in their product. For instance, whole wheat bread would only contain whole wheat flour.

Similarities Between Sprouted Wheat and Whole Wheat

• Both these types of wheat are healthier than regular wheat or refined wheat.
• Sprouted wheat and whole wheat contain the same nutrients; the difference is in the quantities of the nutrients.

Difference Between Sprouted Wheat and Whole Wheat

Definition

Sprouted wheat refers to wheat grains that have just begun to sprout (put out shoots), while whole grains of wheat that include all three forms of a grain kernel: original bran, germ, and endosperm.

Digestion

Sprouted wheat is easier to digest than whole wheat.

Taste and Texture

Products made from sprouted wheat have an earthy taste and a rough, nutty texture, while products made from whole wheat have a finer texture.

Nutritional Content

Sprouting starts some chemical changes in the grains. Therefore, sprouted wheat tends to have more vitamins and less starch than whole wheat.

Conclusion

The main difference between sprouted wheat and whole wheat is that sprouted wheat tends to contain more nutrients than whole wheat. Sprouting starts some chemical changes in the grains. Therefore, sprouted wheat tends to have more vitamins and less starch than whole wheat. But these nutritional differences are not significant.

Reference:

1. Davidson, Katey. “Whole Grain vs. Whole Wheat: What’s the Difference?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 6 Oct. 2020, Available here.
2. Godman, Heidi. “Are Sprouted Grains More Nutritious than Regular Whole Grains?” Harvard Health Blog, 3 Nov. 2017, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Whole wheat grain flour being scooped” By Margaret Hoogstrate – (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Sprouted Wheat Berries (4622095545)” By Veganbaking.net from USA – Sprouted Wheat Berries (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia