The 10 Best Bob's Red Mill Grains
This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in May of 2020. This Milwaukie, Oregon-based, employee-owned miller specializes in natural, gluten free, and organic grains, from wheat and barley to sorghum and amaranth. Whether you're making a porridge, salad, main course, or baking up something sweet, you'll get lots of carbohydrates and healthy vitamins and oils from the choices here. A fun fact is they use quartz millstones salvaged from 19th-century mills. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Pearl Barley
2. Organic White Quinoa
3. Hulled Millet
Editor's Notes
June 03, 2020:
Although Whole Grain Sorghum is extremely popular in much of India and Africa, it has not taken hold as of yet in the United States, partly because it can be challenging. First-timers may find they burn their first popcorn attempt, or that they underestimate the amount of time it takes to cook on the stove. But it made this list despite the complications because it's a tasty and healthful ingredient worthy of greater prominence in American diets. Sorghum is also quite useful as a flour for baking purposes, and you can explore more varieties with our list of sorghum flours.
Some of these selections, including Whole Grain Sorghum, are useful for making outside-the-box alcoholic beverages, though their suitability for this purpose did not impact our rankings much. If you're interested, our lists of fermenting kits and wine making kits can help you find some ways to turn these ancient grains into new libations.
It could be argued that Gluten Free Buckwheat Groats should not make the list because biologically they more closely resemble other plants than they do grains. But they are included because their utility as a food is indistinguishable from the way true grains are used.
Hulled Millet is worthy of inclusion because of its mild, nutty taste and because it is relatively easy to prepare. Although it can contribute to iodine poisoning and goiters in excessive quantities, it is harmless when eaten in moderation. It's also worth noting that the specific variety of millet described here is proso millet, also known as broomcorn millet.
Despite its bitterness, Wheat Germ is still an excellent ingredient that is loved by many, especially at breakfast time.
Pearl Barley and Organic White Quinoa have popular flavors and textures, culinary convenience and efficiency, and overall reliability. One can cook dinner for new people using these ingredients and feel confident than no one will object.
Special Honors
Ancient Grains Bob's Red Mill is hardly the only reputable way to obtain whole grains. This is another reliable source of healthy carbohydrates for sale, including offerings like purple barley and hemp hearts. They also provide a blog, recipes, historical information, and nutritional benefits. ancientgrains.com
Whole Grains Council This nonprofit advocacy group attempts to increase consumption of whole grains by helping people learn about what's out there, how it can benefit their health, and recipe ideas for using them in new ways. They also assist media outlets with writing about whole grains by providing accurate information and compelling stories. wholegrainscouncil.org
4. Organic Farro
5. Golden Bulgur
6. Whole Grain Teff
7. Whole Grain Sorghum
8. Gluten Free Buckwheat Groats
9. Corn Flour Golden Masa
10. Raw Wheat Germ
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