The purpose of enriching flour is to replenish the nutrients in the flour to match the nutritional status of the unrefined product. This differentiates enrichment from fortification, which is the process of introducing new nutrients to a food.

Does flour have to be enriched?

5.2 Enriched flour must conform to the U.S. Standards of Identify. According to FDA regulations, flour enrichment or fortification of food products are not mandatory. A policy is in place to identify fortification practices that food manufacturers should follow along with labeling guidelines.

Should I avoid enriched flour?

Instead of being a slow process that gives you steady bursts of energy, your body breaks down enriched flour more quickly, which typically raises blood sugar more quickly as well. This excess blood sugar has to be metabolized by the liver, and if there's an excess of sugar, your body will store some of it as fat.