As families spend more time at home, Americans are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20 year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed.  

A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. In reality, consumers count bread among their top comfort foods. The study revealed one-third of Americans named pasta and bread as foods that are comforting during a stressful time.

In addition to the comforting flavor, this trend provides valuable nutritional benefits. As a part of many healthy eating plans, bread and pasta are nutritionist approved and provide nutrients needed for healthy aging such as B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, iron, folate and fiber.

โ€œFor years, weโ€™ve been telling consumers that grain foods are the foods we love that love us back,โ€ said Christine Cochran, executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation. โ€œThe stress has given us permission to enjoy bread and pasta again, but unlike most comfort foods, consumers recognize that grains have nutritional value.โ€

The highest-ranking comfort foods were ice cream; baked goods like cakes, cookies and pastries; salty snacks; candy; and fast food. However, when asked to identify comfort foods with nutritional advantages, consumers identified bread and pasta as the top two. 

โ€œWe can all rest assured that there is enough supply of grain food products in this country,โ€ Cochran said. โ€œShoppers may be experiencing some sporadic unavailability of certain high-demand items. However, manufacturers are working closely with retailers to make sure that out-of-stocks are short lived. Consumers will be able to buy their favorite grain-food products and eat them, too.โ€

To learn more about the role of grain foods in a healthful diet, visit GrainFoodsFoundation.org.

Rotini with Sausage and Mushrooms

Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation

Prep time: 18 minutes

Servings: 8

1          box (13 1/4 ounces) whole-grain rotini

1          tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

1          pound chicken sausage, sliced

1          cup leeks, thinly sliced

1          cup green onions, thinly sliced

2          cups mushrooms, sliced

1          cup chicken stock

1/4       cup parsley chopped

6          leaves from tarragon sprigs, chopped

1          cup Romano cheese grated

            Parmesan-Romano cheese (optional)

Prepare rotini according to package directions. Drain and transfer to large bowl.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook sausage 2-3 minutes, or until well browned. Add leeks, onions and mushrooms; cook until tender. Add chicken stock and simmer 3-5 minutes, or until hot. Fold sausage mixture into warm pasta. Add parsley, tarragon and Romano cheese; toss again. Top with Parmesan-Romano cheese, if desired.

Cheesy Black Bean Toast with Pico de Gallo

Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation

Prep time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

6          Roma tomatoes, diced

1โ„2       medium onion, finely chopped

1          clove garlic, finely minced

2          serrano or jalapeno peppers, finely chopped

3          tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

1          lime, juice only

1โ„8       teaspoon oregano, finely crushed

1โ„8       teaspoon salt (optional)

1โ„8       teaspoon pepper

1โ„2       Hass avocado, diced

4          bolillos (6 inches) or large Kaiser rolls, sliced in half lengthwise

1          can (16 ounces) seasoned low-fat refried black beans

2          cups shredded Chihuahua or mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 350 F.

In medium mixing bowl, combine tomatoes; onion; garlic; peppers; cilantro; lime juice; oregano; salt, if desired; pepper; and avocado; set aside.

On medium platter, split rolls. With medium spatula, spread refried beans onto each bread half; sprinkle cheese among bread. Bake 5-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and hot.

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