The Real Reasons Gluten-Free Costs More—and Why It’s Worth It

Celiac.com 08/01/2025 - If you’ve ever winced at the price tag on a gluten-free loaf of bread or a six-pack of craft GF beer, you’re not alone. For millions living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, sticker shock is a familiar frustration. So why exactly does gluten-free cost more? And what makes it worth it?  Holidaily Brewing Company founder and CEO, Karen Hertz, helps break it down.

“Please know, gluten-free producers are NOT out there to gouge consumers,” says Hertz. “Almost all GF brands have a personal tie to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.”  But behind every dollar is a story of specialized ingredients, rigorous safety standards, and a supply chain built to protect your health. “Gluten-free isn’t just a label - it’s a promise and keeping that promise comes with real costs.”  So what drives those costs?

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• Specialized Ingredients: Gluten-free products rely on alternative grains and flours that are often more expensive to source and process than conventional wheat-based ingredients. These materials are grown and milled at smaller scales, and must meet stricter purity standards, including dedicated equipment at the farming level.
• Smaller Scale Production: Gluten-free brands operate at lower volumes than mainstream producers. That means fewer bulk discounts, less automation, and higher per-unit costs.
• Dedicated Facilities: To avoid cross-contamination, many companies invest in 100% gluten-free facilities or undergo rigorous sanitation and testing protocols. Many non gluten-free products can contract or co-pack their products, cutting out facility and overhead expenses that safe gluten-free companies can’t avoid.
• Certification & Compliance: Programs like GFCO require extensive audits, documentation, and third-party testing. These safeguards protect consumers but add overhead.
• Limited Distribution & Shelf Space: Gluten-free products serve a niche audience, which can mean slower turnover in stores and higher fees to secure shelf space.
• Higher Risk & Spoilage: Smaller runs and specialized ingredients mean less room for error. If something goes wrong, the cost of waste is higher.

In short: gluten-free products aren’t expensive because companies want to charge more - they’re expensive because the entire supply chain is built differently. And for those who rely on these products to stay healthy, that difference matters.

Holidaily Brewing Company: No Compromises. Ever.

At Holidaily, we don’t just make gluten-free beer—we redefine it. Every batch is brewed with intention, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We brew with 100% gluten-free grains—not enzymes or additives to “reduce” gluten. Our ingredients are naturally gluten-free and sourced for purity.
• Our facility is built to protect. From dedicated equipment to rigorous cleaning protocols, we maintain gluten-free integrity at every step.
• Achieving exceptional taste and mouthfeel with alternative grains isn’t easy—it’s an art. Our brewing techniques are more complex, but the result is worth it.
• We prioritize quality over convenience, sourcing specialty grains from trusted partners, even when it costs more.
• We invest in education and advocacy because we believe gluten-free consumers deserve transparency, trust, and great beer.

Yes, Holidaily beers cost more. But they deliver more–exceptional flavor, unmatched quality, and the confidence that comes from knowing your beer was brewed with your safety at top mind.

The Final Sip

From farm to factory to fridge, every step is designed to protect your health and elevate your experience. At Holidaily, we believe that’s worth every penny.

100% Gluten-Free. 100% Great Beer. Find Holidaily near you: Visit Where's The Beer - Holidaily Brewing