Grains & pasta

Wheat, soft white

FDC 169720cup (168 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 66 · +2 vs Grains & pasta median

Soft white wheat scores 66 of 100, a Good band result ranking 23 of 60 in Grains & pasta, with dietary fiber as its strongest nutrient at 45% DV. Iron follows at 30% DV, protein at 21% DV, and magnesium also at 21% DV, a profile built around bran and germ rather than any single trace mineral.

This softer wheat variety is the one millers favor for cakes, pastries, and delicate baked goods, since its lower protein content produces a finer, more tender crumb than bread wheat. A cup of the whole grain is 168 g and 340 calories per 100 g, and with sodium at just 2 mg per 100 g, it is a blank canvas that takes on whatever a recipe adds to it.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around wheat, soft white, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 10.7 g · 12%Carb 75.4 g · 83%Fat 2 g · 5%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories340 kcal17%
Total fat2 g3%
Saturated fat0.37 g2%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium2 mg0%
Carbohydrate75 g27%
Dietary fiber13 g45%
Sugars0.41 g
Protein11 g21%
Potassium435 mg9%
Calcium34 mg3%
Iron5.4 mg30%
Magnesium90 mg21%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E1 mg7%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 169720

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Dietary fiber45% DV
Iron30% DV
Protein21% DV
Magnesium21% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the grains & pasta median

Nutrient density66 vs 64 median
Protein / 100 g11 vs 11 median
Fiber / 100 g13 vs 6.7 median
Sodium / 100 g2 vs 5 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

BuckwheatDensity 66 vs 66Rye grainDensity 66 vs 66Wheat, hard red springDensity 67 vs 66

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Soft white wheat has less gluten-forming protein than hard wheat varieties, so it is traditionally milled into flour for cakes, pastries, and flatbreads rather than chewy yeasted bread. The whole berries, less commonly used, can be simmered and eaten like rice or added to soups and salads for a chewy bite. Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet compared to harder wheat, which is part of why it suits delicate baked goods.

Whole wheat berries store far longer than flour, since the bran and germ are still intact, so keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry away from heat. A cup provides 12.7 grams of fiber (45% DV) and a strong 30% of the Daily Value for iron, along with 10.7 grams of protein, making the whole berries a fiber-rich, low-sodium (2 mg) addition to grain bowls even though the flour is more commonly used for baking.

Frequently asked questions about wheat, soft white

How many calories are in soft white wheat?

A cup of soft white wheat berries (168 grams) has 340 calories.

Is soft white wheat a good source of iron?

Yes, a cup provides 30% of the Daily Value for iron, along with 45% for fiber.

What is soft white wheat used for?

It is lower in gluten-forming protein than hard wheat, so it is typically milled into flour for cakes, pastries, and flatbreads rather than chewy bread loaves.

View the USDA source record