Why are gluten-free products more expensive than conventional products? | Best in Gluten Free | Schär (2024)

The price of a product depends on its supply and demand. Compared to “normal” grain products containing gluten produced for the wider population, the market for gluten-free dietary products is small. The higher price of these products is primarily due to the complex form of production. The Codex Alimentarius Commission set a new threshold value for gluten-free food in 2008. Such products may accordingly contain a maximum of 20 ppm (parts per million), 20 mg/kg. These statutory gluten threshold values require extremely strict monitoring and special precautionary measures for food delivery, production, and packaging. Only such strict quality assurance systems can guarantee high product safety. Primary ingredients and manufactured products are continuously subject to inspection and are examined with regard to their gluten content and other allergens. The production of high-quality and reliably gluten-free food is fully automated and relies on the most modern technology.
Rice and corn, the primary ingredients mainly used instead of wheat in gluten-free food, are also more expensive than wheat.

Why are gluten-free products more expensive than conventional products? | Best in Gluten Free | Schär (2024)

FAQs

Why are gluten-free products more expensive than conventional products? | Best in Gluten Free | Schär? ›

The price of a product depends on its supply and demand. Compared to “normal” grain products containing gluten produced for the wider population, the market for gluten-free dietary products is small. The higher price of these products is primarily due to the complex form of production.

Why are gluten-free products more expensive than conventional products? ›

The price of a product depends on its supply and demand. Compared to “normal” grain products containing gluten produced for the wider population, the market for gluten-free dietary products is small. The higher price of these products is primarily due to the complex form of production.

Why is gluten-free food so much more expensive? ›

Additional items such as thickeners, tapioca and maize starches are added to gluten-free recipes to improve viscosity and keep baked items in shape. That means a longer ingredient list and a slightly more complex manufacturing process. So, from an ingredient perspective, gluten-free bread costs more than regular bread.

Does it cost more to make things gluten-free? ›

I knew gluten-free foods were more expensive, but the results shocked me. On average I pay 58% more for gluten-free versions of basic foods, with the difference going well over 300% for some foods, like soy sauce. It made me think again about what we, as celiac shoppers, can do to reduce our food costs.

Why is gluten-free best? ›

Purpose. A gluten-free diet is essential for managing signs and symptoms of celiac disease and other medical conditions associated with gluten. A gluten-free diet is also popular among people who haven't been diagnosed with a gluten-related medical condition.

Why do people prefer gluten-free products? ›

A gluten-free diet is necessary for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune response to gluten that causes the body to attack the small intestine, causing belly pain, nausea, bloating or diarrhea.

Why has gluten-free products become such a high demand? ›

Firstly, the rising prevalence of gluten-related disorders has led to a growing demand for gluten-free products. Additionally, the increasing adoption of a healthy lifestyle and dietary preferences, as well as the perception that gluten-free products are healthier, have further fueled the market growth.

Why is it so hard to eat gluten-free? ›

Because of the physical and chemical characteristics of gluten – it is viscoelastic, rich in nutrition, and can easily be made into bread and baked – it is difficult to substitute for, and many of the commonly used substitutes are not fortified with the nutrients commonly found in gluten containing products.

Does eating gluten-free really make people healthier? ›

A gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease. However, there is little evidence to support its use in people without celiac disease, and it may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This protein helps foods hold their shape.

What are the pros and cons of a gluten-free diet? ›

Eating gluten-free also can be quite nutritious if you're careful to choose whole, unprocessed foods. The gluten-free diet isn't always healthier if whole foods are not chosen often. Without proper planning, strict gluten-free diets may be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber.

Can you fix being gluten-free? ›

There's no cure for gluten intolerance. But most people find relief from symptoms by following a gluten-free diet. You should work with your healthcare provider and a dietitian to plan your diet.

Should everyone try to eat gluten-free? ›

While it's crucial to be cognizant of our health, going gluten-free isn't necessarily the best way to do it — especially if you're not gluten-intolerant. In fact, for the average person, a gluten-free diet can actually do more harm than good.

Is rice gluten-free? ›

Yes, all rice (in its natural form) is gluten-free. Rice is one of the most popular gluten-free grains for people with celiac disease. Many gluten-free packaged goods are made with rice flour instead of wheat flour. Although rice is naturally gluten-free, there are some instances where it may not be gluten-free.

Why are many doctors against a gluten-free diet? ›

Eliminating gluten may not only strip your diet of valuable nutrients, but also hinder the accuracy of tests for celiac disease, a serious autoimmune condition in which gluten signals the body to attack the lining of the small intestine.

What are the 15 symptoms of celiac disease? ›

They may suffer from abdominal distention and pain, and/or other symptoms such as: iron-deficiency anemia, chronic fatigue, chronic migraine, peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, or pain in hands or feet), unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia (elevated liver enzymes), reduced bone mass and bone fractures, and ...

How much is gluten-free compared to regular prices? ›

On average, gluten-free products were 242% more expensive than regular products (+/- 212; range, 5% to 1,000%). Conclusions: All the commercially available products labelled gluten-free were significantly more expensive than comparable products.

Why are gluten-free oats so expensive? ›

Gluten-free oats are culled from the highest quality kernels in the field, making them the most labor-intensive and expensive oat crop to harvest and process.

Is there a downside to going gluten-free? ›

One study found that a month on a gluten free diet may damage gut bacteria and immune function, potentially leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. As a result of processing, gluten free foods are more likely to be low in essential nutrients such as calcium, fibre, iron and vitamin B12.

Are limited availability and higher cost of gluten-free foods? ›

There is limited availability of gluten-free foods and they are generally more expensive than their standard counterparts. This may impact on compliance to a gluten-free diet, with potential nutritional and clinical consequences, together with an increased risk of complications.

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