Wheat bran is the outer layer, the hull or husk, of the wheat grain.
Use animal-feed grade wheat bran, which costs less than food grade wheat bran.
Animal-feed grade wheat bran can be found at animal feed supply stores, such as Agways. They typically sell them in 50-lb bags and may also have them in 25-lb bags.
If an animal feed supply store isn't available to you, then look for food grade wheat bran at your local store. Try finding a store that sells them loose (unpackaged) so you can purchase by however many pounds you need. Packaged food grade wheat bran can be very expensive. See chart below.
*Costs listed below may be different for your area. Costs are for the northeast part of the U.S., as of 2024.
| Wheat Bran Type | Quantity (Size) | Cost* | Cost/Lb* | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| animal-feed grade | 50-lb bag | $32.50 | $0.65/lb | This cost is if picked up by car from the store. NYC vicinity, animal feed supply store example: |
| 25-lb bag | $20 | $0.80/lb | ||
| food grade (loose) | by the pound or scaled | $1–$1.50/lb | NYC example where wheat bran is sold loose (by the pound or scaled): Ninth Avenue International Foods 543 9th Ave, New York, NY (40th & 41st Streets, across from PABT) $1.25/lb (April 2025) | |
| food grade (packaged) | sold in various sizes by the oz | $2–$4+/lb | Avoid this if possible. Pursue other options, including using an organic material other than wheat bran (see bokashi sprinkle organic material) | |