Whole wheat noodle: Processing, quality improvement, and nutritional and health benefits

Background and objectives The popularity of Asian noodles is increasing around the world, and the introduction of noodle products made from whole grain flour is considered as an effective way to modify customer's dietary pattern and promote high-fiber food consumption. This review summarizes the processing technologies, quality improvement techniques, and nutritional and health benefits of whole wheat noodles (WWN). Findings Fresh raw noodles, dried noodles, and instant noodles are the major types of WWN. They contain various formulations and processing procedures. The quality attributes of flour qualities, color, shelf life, cooking performance, textural attributes, and sensory properties are particularly emphasized for WWN quality improvements. The improving techniques include wheat selection, flour/bran particle size control, functional ingredient use, and some emerging technologies. WWN possess a superior nutritive value than refined noodle products. Conclusions Whole wheat noodles have great potential for delivering a stable food with high nutritional values and desirable eating qualities. It is important for the manufactures to select the proper processing technologies and improvement techniques for various WWN.