Our Kashi 7 Whole Grains inspire nearly every food we make. So why not 6, or even 8 whole grains… How’d we land on 7? Good question. Back in 1984 our founders played and experimented with different grains until they finally found a perfect blend of the seven that we still use today.

Each of the seven whole grains we’ve selected for our blend has its own distinct personality and brings something unique to the mix. From digestion helpers to cholesterol combatants, from diet assistants to vitamin victors, every grain offers something different. When combined in our blend they create a healthy mix of textures, shapes, sizes and flavors. We also selected sesame seeds to star in our original Kashi blend for their superior nutrition.

Barley: Known for its smooth, nutty flavor, barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world. It is a good source of heart-healthy soluble fiber, and in certain instances it can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by helping to lower bad cholesterol.

Buckwheat: This is the only seed known to have high levels of an antioxidant called rutin, which studies have shown improves circulation and helps prevents LDL cholesterol from blocking blood vessels. Hearty in flavor, buckwheat is also a good source of fiber.

Hard Red Wheat: Wheat is described as “hard” or “soft” depending on its protein content. Hard wheat generally has approximately 12-15 percent more protein than soft wheat. (“Red” or “white” simply describes the color of the kernels.) Because of its high protein content, hard red wheat is often used to make bread.

Brown Rice: Rice is one of the most easily digested grains, which is why rice cereal is often recommended as a baby’s first solid food. It’s hypoallergenic and gluten-free, so it’s ideal for people on restricted diets or who are gluten-intolerant. Brown rice has a lovely nutty flavor.

Oats: Oats bring a natural sweetness, as well as soluble fiber, to our mix. They also contain a special kind of fiber called “beta-glucan,” which studies have found can help lower cholesterol. According to recent research, oats also have phytonutrients called “avenanthramides” whose antioxidant properties help protect blood vessels from the damaging effects of LDL cholesterol.

Rye: The amount and type of fiber in rye helps promote a feeling of fullness, making it a good choice for weight management. Rye is also prized for its distinctive, earthy flavor.

Triticale (trit—i—KAY—lee): The new kid on the block, this hybrid grain combines the best qualities of wheat (nutritional quality, efficiency and disease resistance) and rye (vitality and hardiness) into one grain. Triticale can range in color from tan to gray-brown and has long, plump kernels. It contains the protein found in both its parent grains and has high levels of leucine, an essential amino acid.

Sesame: Seeds, like grains, play a role in our foods by providing diverse nutrition and flavors. Sesame seeds are high in protein and contain manganese, copper and calcium, as well as vitamins B1 and E. These mighty seeds also contain “good” monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol. We chose this nutrient-packed seed as part of our original Kashi blend for its delicate, nutty taste.

Learn about the health benefits of whole grains and more about whole grain nutrition, then find delicious ways to eat more whole grains.