Restaurant Menu Symbol

Consumers are now accustomed to looking for the Whole Grain Stamp, to find good whole grain choices in the their favorite grocery stores.

Starting in January 2008, an equally-helpful tool is available for restaurants and other food outlets: The Whole Grain Menu Symbol.

What Does the WG Menu Symbol Stand For?

Just like the Whole Grain Stamp, the Menu Symbol makes it easier for you to find foods containing at least half a serving of whole grain. Restaurants, cafeterias and other food establishments can put this symbol next to any dish that meets this requirement.

Examples of Whole Grain Options

You might see the Whole Grain Menu Symbol on foods like these:

• A side dish made with any whole grain, such as brown rice, exotic colored rices, wild rice, quinoa, or barley

• Whole grain pasta

• Oatmeal, Cheerios® or other whole grain breakfast cereals

• Whole grain breads, crackers, and flatbreads in the breadbasket

• Whole grain cakes, cookies, brownies for dessert

• Ethnic dishes like whole corn tortillas, buckwheat soba noodles, or kasha

How much whole grain qualifies as a “half serving?”

These are the minimum amounts of whole grain that qualify as a "half serving." In most cases, you'll be receiving much more than these minimums – given the size of most restaurant servings these days!

• Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, etc.): 1/4 cup cooked or 1/2 oz dry

• Hot cereal (oatmeal, etc.): 1/4 cup cooked or 1/2 oz dry

• Whole grain pasta: 1/4 cup cooked or 1/2 oz dry

• Bread: 1 small slice 100% whole grain bread; 1 large slice “half and half” bread

Finding Restaurants with Whole Grains

The Menu Symbol is new as of January 2008, so you may not see it at your favorite restaurants right away. In the meantime, check our list of food establishments offering at least one whole grain choice daily, and Just Ask for Whole Grains.

Report Your Findings

If you find a restaurant that's serving whole grains and is not yet on our list, tell us about it. There's a handy online entry form here on our website – just click here.

You can also give your favorite eatery a direct pat on the back with our Whole Grain Report Cards. Download a page now containing three Report Cards, and use them to show you appreciate places that serve whole grains.