Those cereals that have been processed to give them a finer texture and improve their shelf life.
Refinement generally involves the mechanical removal of bran and germ, either through grinding or selective sifting, which decreases nutrient density (especially dietary fiber and micronutrient content). Grains can also be bleached or enriched.
It should be noted that some regulations, like in the US or Canada, require refined grains to be enriched with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron, and fortified with folic acid.
As opposed to whole grains.
Synonyms:
refined cereals