Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
National Gluten Free Day is an annual awareness day for those who must follow a gluten free lifestyle. Launched in 2014, it is intended to raise awareness of the need for a significant number of children and adults to avoid gluten in foods to maintain their best health. Recent statistics include:
– The U.S. gluten free market size reached $6.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to nearly double by 2030.1
-While approximately 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease, survey data indicates anywhere from 0.5-15% of the population has non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).2,3 Individuals with NCGS tend to have more non-gastrointestinal symptoms, like headache, brain fog, and joint pain.3
-6% of U.S. consumers follow a gluten free eating plan, according to IFIC’s 2023 Food and Health Survey.4 That’s more than 20 million Americans.
There are many adjustments to make if gluten is a concern for you or a loved one. The first is to ensure an accurate diagnosis for the individual, especially children, as they are growing and have critical nutrient needs that are often supplied by foods that contain gluten, including grain products made from wheat, barley or rye. Be sure you are working with a health care provider, and ideally with a registered dietitian-nutritionist that can help you enjoy eating well and offer a personalized roadmap to navigate sustaining a gluten-free lifestyle, whatever your budget, cooking style, health and family needs may be.
The good news is many foods like fresh produce, meat, and seafood are naturally gluten free. Ancient grains like quinoa, and new products like chickpea-based pasta are convenient and packed with nutrients adults and children needs to stay well. Food labeling meets strict standards to ensure products are gluten free, including PICS and Market 32 items in stores (on package and on the shelf tag), and on the “Ways to Shop” resource on the Price Chopper “Shop Now” website link. Always check labels in case items are not on the right section of the shelf. Keep it fresh and fun with a wealth of gluten free recipes and resources:
Learn more about the ins and outs of eating gluten-free at https://celiac.org/.
Sources:
- Gluten Free Products Market, Vantage Market Research, accessed here on 12/27/2023.
- Caio G, Volta U, Sapone A, Leffler DA, De Giorgio R, Catassi C, Fasano A. Celiac disease: a comprehensive current review. BMC Med. 2019 Jul 23;17(1):142.
- Cárdenas-Torres FI, Cabrera-Chávez F, Figueroa-Salcido OG, Ontiveros N. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: An Update. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 May 24;57(6):526.
- 2023 Food and Health Survey, International Food Information Council, accessed here on 12/27/2023.