Some parts of life are classic. For most of us, breakfast is one of them. If you are among the many who enjoy shredded wheat, this is your day: Shredded Wheat Day! This is a celebration of one of the most beloved breakfast foods for generations. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the potential for a wheat allergy and how advanced allergy testing can offer you just the right step into a world of education and information. Ready to see what’s in store for this delicious breakfast staple? Take a look below!
The history of shredded wheat
Let’s take a moment to delve deep into the history of shredded wheat and get familiar with where it comes from! This breakfast cereal was first produced in 1926 in the US, and UK production didn’t follow suit until 1926. It got its UK-based start in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, in a factory that opened to allow production.
The original size of shredded wheat was a large rectangle that you softened with warm milk or hot water. There are now three sizes available, including bite-size and miniature. Bite-sized options are “mini wheats,” most known as frosted options and flavoured options. You can get it plain, though, if you wish. The smallest, miniature, are called “little bites.” They are more popular with children or those who don’t like larger bites of cereal.
This breakfast was very popular in the 1960s due to its high advertising ratings and versatility for health-conscious families. Even with the wide variety of breakfast cereal in the modern day, it’s still a common choice!
What are the ingredients of shredded wheat?
Have you ever picked up a piece of this cereal and wondered just what is in it? If so, you’re not alone! Funny enough, the ingredients in shredded wheat are very simple. It’s one, actually. Can you guess? That’s right; it’s wheat! Specifically, whole grain wheat, which is grown on Britain farms.
There are no other additives to legitimate, responsibly created shredded wheat. That’s what makes celebrating Shredded Wheat Day so neat. It’s a breakfast table staple, and it’s the real deal ingredients, health profile, and is even Britain-based. There is so much to love about it that it’s no wonder it gets its day of celebration.
Can I eat shredded wheat if I am allergic to wheat?
If you’ve read that and suddenly wondered if it’s safe to eat if you have a wheat allergy, this is an essential question to think about. Unfortunately, it means that you should forego shredded wheat. Since authentic shredded wheat uses natural, whole-grain wheat, it’s a definite option to skip for those with a wheat allergy.
In Europe, approximately 5 in 1000 children have a wheat allergy, adding it to the list of common food allergies for children. However, the good news is that almost 70% of children will outgrow a wheat allergy by the time they turn six years old! Considering advanced allergy testing at set intervals during childhood is a great way to monitor food allergies and help families know when it’s safe to introduce wheat-based foods into their child’s diet.
However, if you have a wheat intolerance, you can handle small amounts of wheat, making shredded wheat a great snack or a small breakfast. Since food intolerances don’t involve the immune system, it’s safe for those who are wheat intolerant to try small amounts of it to see what they can handle.
Celebrate in style
If you love this pantry staple, you can use this celebratory event to consider enjoying it even more. Other than enjoying it as a classic breakfast food, you can also use it in some unique ways, including the following:
- Crumbled on top of ice cream
- Part of a trail mix
- Crumbled and baked into cookies, cakes, etc.
- Healthy replacement choice for popcorn, crisps, etc.
There’s nothing but potential waiting for those who want to try fun and exciting ways to enjoy shredded wheat. Just make sure you factor in the potential for a wheat allergy, especially if you’re looking for “sneaky” ways to bake shredded wheat into baked goods for nutritional purposes. Consider advanced allergy testing first to know if wheat (along with other allergies and intolerances) will be a problem. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
So, with that knowledge and fun history lesson behind you, all that’s left is to grab a box of this and see for yourself just how you can make Shredded Wheat Day the perfect opportunity to reinvent this classic wholesome breakfast wholesome staple!
