No Mr. Creosote, we're speaking on the subject of gluten, not the subject of gluttony. Care for a mint?
Posted on 07/16/2006 3:33:18 PM PDT by sully777
A new report by Packaged Facts reveals that the market for gluten-free foods and beverages in the U.S. currently stands at almost $700 million, and is due to reach around $1.7 billion by 2010, according to an article seen on foodnavigator-usa.com. Most gluten-free products are alternatives to traditional grain-based goods, including bakery products, pasta and cereals. These are made with alternative grains and flours, such as rice, corn, amaranth and quinoa.
In recent years, demand for gluten-free products has surged on the back of an increased diagnosis of celiac disease, which is characterized by intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley that contributes to the viscosity of baked products.
According to the latest figures, around three million Americans, a little less than 1 percent of the population, currently suffer from gluten intolerance, although estimates suggest that 97 percent of celiac sufferers remain undiagnosed and go untreated. Indeed, it is estimated that the number of known sufferers of celiac disease will increase worldwide by a factor of 10 during the next few years, findings that present an opportunity for the development and marketing of gluten-free foods, said Packaged Facts.
But despite this sector's strong performance and the opportunities it entails, major food marketers have largely not entered the market as yet. According to Packaged Facts, this is because they are reluctant to invest in research and product development until fixed regulations for gluten-free products are in place.
"It is these mega-marketers that have in recent years become the target of consumer activist groups and FDA policy informers, and, for the most part, these companies have learned to proceed more cautiously in such areas," said the market researcher.
"Once the FDA establishes regulations for use of the term gluten free, it is very likely that the mega food marketers of the world will jump on the gluten-free bandwagon," it added.
The FDA is required to propose a regulation by August 2006, and to issue a final regulation by August 2008 to define the term 'gluten free' for voluntary use in food labeling.
For the time being, the majority of gluten-free products -- around 40 percent -- are sold in health and natural food stores, such as GNC, Whole Foods and Wild Oats. Some 20 percent of 2006 sales occurred through specialty food website or catalog purchases, with mainstream supermarkets coming in third with a 14 percent share of sales.
And although these products are largely bought by celiac sufferers, frequently a celiac's entire family will switch to gluten-free products primarily to avoid buying different versions of the same goods, but also as a preventative step, as celiac disease is hereditary.
Also, some consumers avoid gluten due to a perceived belief of intolerance, and others who are migrating to the market from organic and natural foods and other segments. This shift consisting mostly of white, middle- to upper-class consumers is being driven by the belief that certain major allergens and food components also play a role in exacerbating a wide range of other health conditions, from migraine to menstruation.
Some consumers also opt for gluten-free in the hope of preventing their young or unborn children from developing food allergies. But this remains a luxury of choice available only to those able to afford it, said Packaged Facts.
Indeed, the high cost of gluten-free foods prevents many celiac sufferers from adhering precisely to their restricted diet though most diagnosed celiacs are largely white, educated and at least middle class, the group most likely to have access to decent healthcare and to be able to afford the higher cost of these products.
As the parent of a celiac child, this comes as no surprise to me - My kid eventually normalized - at least from the celiac, so we no longer have to search for gluten free food - when he was young, it was difficult to find.
Is that from "Monty Python's: The Meaning of Life"? I remember that scene where the fat man eats a mint and explodes.
Here we go again.... Last time it was carbs, now it's "wheat = fascism".
Lemmings.
Yes, that is from Meaning of Life. This photo is the cleanest I could find.
and what precisely is that prediction based on?
Food is my life, professional and private. And I extend my sympathies and technical expertise to those that actually are afflicted. But Gluten is here to stay.
Aside: "Do you know the difference between glue and gluten?" Ans: "5 seconds in a microwave". Bada bing. Make sure to tip your server. I'll be here all week....
/johnny
The idea that bread is resposible for PMS is giving me a headache
/johnny
Is there celiac or gluten or whatever-the-hell it is in whiskey?
I cant imagine a world without bread.
I feel bad for folks that have allegies to the most common things in life
Dunno about whiskey. My aunt has celiac sprue and she can't have beer. Wine's okay, though.
Ethanol ain't it. Drink freely, knowing that you are safe.
And do yourself a flavor, and have a toasted pastrami on rye with sauted onions to go with it. It just might save your stomach lining.
But the marriage is over. Duct tape couldn't fix that...
/johnny
Over the next few months, I saw this fellow pork up like a miracle. Admittedly it is only one case, but it sure did make me -- pending further evidence -- buy into at least this one health fad.
/johnny
I've been in a fight with family and Uncle Sam, because at 45, I remain whip-cord lean, and strong as a horse.
What with the lard-a$$es in the US becoming the norm, everyone says I look way too thin.
I eat 5 meals a day (not large meals) and am healthy. I'm not fat.
But well meaning busy-bodies insist that there is something wrong with me, because I'm 'skinny'. I've got a record from the USAF dated to 1980, showing my original sign-up weight. I'm 17 lbs heavier, according to my last USAF physical.
Maybe the busy-bodies need to quit munching on bon-bons while they sit on the couch.
/johnny
All of these imagined ailments are wearing. Stop the planet!! I want to get off!!
Maybe you should try a glutten-free regimen for a while. You might be able to get healthy.
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