Everything You Need to Know About Our New Star Ingredient Superfood Sorghum: Q&A with Registered Dietitian Lanier Dabruzzi
ICYMI Nutty Puffs have gotten an exciting upgrade and are now made with Superfood Sorghum. Everything else you love about Nutty Puffs is the same, but adding sorghum to the mix makes the best puffs even better, for kids and the planet!
Sorghum might not be a household name (yet!), but this ancient grain is having a well-deserved moment. With impressive nutritional benefits, gluten-free goodness, and planet-friendly perks, it’s no wonder sorghum is gaining popularity among health-conscious families and food innovators alike. To help us break down everything you need to know, we sat down with Lanier Dabruzzi, MS, RD, LD, Director of Nutrition & Food Innovation for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. In this Q&A, Lanier shares what makes sorghum a smart addition to your pantry, how it compares to other grains, and why it’s especially great for growing kids.
What is sorghum?
"Sorghum is a versatile, nutrient-rich cereal grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is naturally gluten-free, non-GMO, and used in a variety of food products, animal feed, and biofuels."
Is sorghum good for babies and kids?
"Yes, including sorghum in the diets of babies and kids is a delicious way to ensure nutrient needs are being met. Due to the rapid growth and development of infant and children’s bodies, their nutritional requirements are significantly higher than those of adults. For example, a child needs 1.5 times more protein, 5.5 times more iron and more than 4 times more zinc per kilogram of body weight than an adult (1). Including sorghum in the diet can help maximize the nutrition per bite for growing bodies."
What are the health benefits of sorghum?
"A growing body of evidence shows that eating sorghum can help improve overall health and well-being, when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Sorghum is a natural source of antioxidants, which may help to lower your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and some neurological diseases.
Sorghum provides key vitamins and minerals, including protein, zinc, selenium, copper, iron and vitamin B6, that are essential for growth and brain development (2).
Every serving of sorghum offers robust nutrition benefits. Eating sorghum is an easy, efficient way to boost your nutrition. When it comes to nutrient content, no other whole grain compares to sorghum.
Sorghum is an excellent source of both fiber and protein, nutrients that keep you feeling fuller for longer, can help children power through the day.
You can serve sorghum to everyone no matter their eating style – it’s gluten-free, plant-based and non-GMO.
Sorghum fits into nearly every healthy dietary pattern to meet individual lifestyle needs and preferences."
Is sorghum high in protein?
"Sorghum is known as one of the higher protein grains and is an excellent source of plant-based protein (3)."
What makes sorghum an “ancient grain”?
"Sorghum has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and has remained largely unchanged, preserving its original nutritional profile. Ancient grains like sorghum are known for their resilience, nutritional benefits, and lack of genetic modification."
Is sorghum gluten-free?
"Absolutely! Sorghum is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities."
Is sorghum non-GMO?
"Yes, sorghum is a non-GMO crop, meaning it has not been genetically modified in any way. This makes it a clean and natural ingredient for food products."
What does sorghum taste like?
"Sorghum has a mild, nutty flavor with a slightly sweet undertone. It can take on different textures depending on how it’s cooked—light and fluffy like rice or chewy like barley."
Is sorghum good for the environment?
"Yes! Sorghum is a drought-tolerant crop that requires less water than many other grains, making it a sustainable choice. It also improves soil health."
Is sorghum grown in the U.S.?
"Yes! The U.S. is a top producer of sorghum, with the majority grown in the "Sorghum Belt"— including Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and South Dakota. In the past year, sorghum was grown in 48 states, showcasing its adaptability across diverse climates."
Is there anything else we should know about sorghum?
"Sorghum is incredibly versatile! It can be popped like popcorn, ground into flour for baking, or used as a whole grain in salads, soups, and bowls. It’s also gaining popularity in pet food and biofuels due to its sustainability and nutritional benefits."
Ready to taste the benefits of sorghum for yourself? Our Nutty Puffs are now made with this mighty ancient grain—nutrient-packed, gluten-free, and perfect for growing kids.
Want to learn more about why we made the switch to sorghum? Check out our Q&A with our co-founder, Catherine.
References
- Alles MS, Eussen SR, van der Beek EM. Nutritional challenges and opportunities during the weaning period and in young childhood. Ann Nutr Metab. 2014;64(3-4):284–293. doi: 10.1159/000365036. Epub 2014 Oct. PMID: 25300272.
- Cusick SE, Georgieff MK. The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the "First 1000 Days". J Pediatr. 2016 Aug;175:16–21. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.05.013. Epub 2016 Jun 3. PMID: 27266965; PMCID: PMC4981537.
- USDA FoodData Central – Food item 2710841
