DEFINING NUTRIENT DENSITY IN WHEAT

The Bionutrient Institute has begun a study to define nutrient density in wheat: a measurable, trustable way to link how wheat is grown to its nutritional quality. We’ve learned a lot over the last few years from our very first nutrient density study in beef and are excited to bring those lessons forward in our next and subsequent projects. The wheat study pairs soil and crop samples from 300 to 400 fields drawn from our global network of supporters. A dedicated team will use the data to develop the Wheat Bionutrient Indicator: a 1 to 100 bio-marker based Nutrient Density standard - an openly published, science-based standard the whole supply chain can navigate by; from grower to miller to baker to eater.

Everyone has a role in defining Nutrient Density

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Biochemistry • Soil

Collect & Preserve
Samples

Interpret Results & Advance the Science

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Why wheat? Why now?

Wheat is one of the most widely consumed crops in the world and is grown on approximately 215 million hectares (530 million acres) annually. It’s impact on the environment, human health and global economics is considerable. Wheat sits inside long supply chains where health, sustainability and disclosure expectations are increasingly converging on agriculture. Yet there is still no agreed, evidence-based way to tell more nutritious wheat from less.

Our research has led the way in developing such a standard in beef, and now we are stepping into the next major staple crop in line. Wheat has never been comprehensively characterized in this way. This study sets out to change that.





 

An independent view: wheat data from Edacious

INDEPENDENT REFERENCE · EDACIOUS WHEAT DATASET

 

“Wheat is wheat. Until you look at the data.”

Eric Smith of Edacious

Analysing his own wheat dataset and ranked the ten most variable nutrients by fold-difference, lowest sample to highest:

 
 

  • Riboflavin (B2) 127x

  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) 30x

  • Iron 13x

  • Magnesium 7x

  • Selenium undetectable - 172 mcg / 45 g

  • Zinc 47x

  • Niacin (B3) 23x

  • Phosphorus 7x Thiamin (B1) 6x

  • Protein 3x (3.5 - 10.3 g / serving)

 

These ranges run wider than averaged public databases (e.g. USDA FoodData Central: iron ~4x, zinc 20x). Direct measurement, not estimation. Source: Eric Smith, Edacious. Independent analysis shared via LinkedIn, May 2026.

 
 
 
 

Farmer: Grow & Submit Samples

We recognize that harvest times are different based upon a variety of factors. Farmers who are interested in participating and will be harvesting soon can do the following to preserve samples for future consideration in the study. 

  1. Designate your field of interest

  2. Acquire and label 3-quart sized zip top bags with the following: (Please collect 3 samples per field)

    • Field name/id

    • Date

    • Variety

    • Sample number (ie 1, 2, or 3)

  3. Prepare a clean bucket and soil probe or shovel for soil collection

  4. Prelabel 1-quart sized ziplock bag for composite soil sample per field

    • Field name/id

    • Date

  1. During harvest, randomly collect (3), 1# (~ 1 qt) samples of wheat berries

  • Stop the combine, 

  • Collect the grain sample  

  • In the same sampling area, push your soil probe 8 inches (20 cm) into the soil and carefully pull it out. Remove soil from the probe and place into a bag or bucket.

  • Record your location i.e. drop a pin, use geolocation when possible 

  • Repeat these steps at each of the 3 sampling locations. 

  • Mix soil until combined and then fill the prelabeled soil sample bag. 

  • Place the 3 grain samples and composite soil sample into the freezer

  • Please fill out this quick form and we’ll be back in touch with you shortly.