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Celiac.com 02/13/2024 - For those living with celiac disease, the gluten-free lifestyle isn't just a choice; it's a medical necessity. However, a recent analysis by Coeliac UK has shed light on a concerning trend — the soaring cost of gluten-free alternatives is leaving many celiac sufferers in a difficult position, risking their health due to financial constraints. According to the analysis, gluten-free versions of everyday staples can be up to six times more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts. The economic strain is pushing 27% of people with celiac disease to buy food that might contain gluten, as revealed in a Coeliac UK survey. Shockingly, 4% admitted to purchasing food that definitely contained gluten, despite the health risks. The financial challenge is evident across various staples. The cheapest available gluten-containing loaf of bread costs just 5.6p per 100g, while its gluten-free alternative is priced at 35.5p per 100g. Gluten-free pasta is twice as expensive as regular pasta, and plain flour and cereals come with a doubled or even more price tag. The impact of these costs is deeply worrying, with individuals compromising their health due to financial constraints. Symptoms of consuming gluten for those with celiac disease range from short-term discomforts like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and constipation to potential long-term complications such as osteoporosis, iron deficiency, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Tristan Humphreys, head of advocacy at Coeliac UK, expressed concern over the findings, emphasizing that any barrier to adhering to a gluten-free diet is a serious concern. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten consumption, can lead to severe consequences if dietary restrictions are not followed. Risks include damage to the lining of the gut, nutrient absorption issues, and potential long-term complications like infertility and, in rare cases, bowel cancer. Historically, gluten-free staples were available on prescription in the NHS, recognizing the additional costs for those with celiac disease. However, in England, non-bread and non-flour products were removed from the prescribable products list in 2017, leading to a reduction in areas offering gluten-free prescriptions. The financial challenge is further exacerbated by the lack of financial support for people with this lifelong autoimmune condition where prescriptions have been withdrawn. Approximately 55% of people in England live in areas where gluten-free prescriptions are routinely available, leaving the rest facing a postcode lottery. The government acknowledges the challenges households face with rising costs and pledges to engage with supermarkets for the best ways to support consumers. However, the financial strain on those with celiac disease remains a significant concern, prompting calls for increased accessibility to gluten-free prescriptions and support for a community that views a gluten-free diet not as a luxury but as a dietary necessity for health. Read more at inews.co.uk

Celiac.com 05/19/2023 - Living with celiac disease can be a challenge, and one of the biggest hurdles is the cost of gluten-free foods. Gluten-free products are notoriously expensive to begin with, and with grocery prices soaring in recent times, it's becoming increasingly difficult for those with celiac disease to keep up with the costs. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects approximately one percent of the Canadian population. It is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley grains, which can cause inflammation of the gut lining and various symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bloating, tiredness, and headaches. For those with celiac disease, eating even a small amount of gluten can lead to long-term complications such as nutrient deficiencies, a higher risk of viral infections and pneumonia, increased risk of broken bones, and a higher risk of bowel cancer. That's why it's essential for people with celiac disease to stick to a gluten-free diet, which is medically indicated and not a personal choice. However, gluten-free products are often priced at double or triple the price of their regular gluten-containing equivalents. The recent pandemic has caused the prices of gluten-free food to rise even more. According to Celiac Canada, gluten-free products can cost between 150 and 500 per cent more than their regular gluten-containing equivalents. For many Canadians who have celiac disease, this has been a significant financial burden. A survey conducted by Celiac Canada showed that 93 per cent of respondents felt the cost of gluten-free food was more expensive than before the pandemic. Over a third of those respondents had to adjust their finances to buy the groceries they need, and one per cent had to turn to food banks. In a recent survey conducted by Celiac Canada, almost 93 percent of 7,400 Canadians, who must eat gluten-free because of their disorder, said they feel the cost of gluten-free food was more expensive than before the pandemic. Of those respondents, more than a third said they have had to adjust their finances to be able to buy the groceries they need, and one percent have had to turn to food banks. The Canadian government has announced a one-time grocery rebate for "low- and modest-income Canadians" to provide relief for Canadians as prices soar. However, Celiac Canada is calling for an increased rebate specifically for people with celiac disease in that income bracket. The association is asking for a celiac rebate of up to $230 per adult and $122.50 per child, with an extra $122.50 for people who are single. It's also worth noting that people with celiac disease can claim "the incremental costs associated with buying gluten-free food products as a medical expense" with the Canada Revenue Agency. However, doing so is an onerous task with little payout at the end, and the system is "just unworkable for the average Canadian," according to Melissa Secord, executive director of Celiac Canada. Living with celiac disease is already expensive, and the skyrocketing cost of gluten-free products only adds to the burden. In the short-term, there may be no relief in sight. However, it's important to stay informed about available resources and seek support from organizations like Celiac Canada. With ongoing advocacy and support, we can work towards making gluten-free living more accessible and affordable for all. Learn more at CTVNews.ca

01/05/2022 - Gluten-free shoppers in numerous countries have struggled to keep their favorite products on the table, and even successful shopping has meant higher prices over the past six months, according to new research. Nearly ninety percent of almost two-thousand gluten-free shoppers surveyed by Coeliac UK reported fewer gluten-free foods available in the past six months. Even more of those respondents reported price increases on on the majority of gluten-free products. There are several reasons for this, including stockpiling, inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Helen North, director of fundraising and commercial services for Coeliac UK, called on supermarket chains “to ensure they keep prioritizing product ranges and aisle space for what is a sustainably growing market”. Citing labor costs as a major driver of rising prices, Nurture Brands MD Adam Draper said, “The whole supply chain and manufacturing process require much greater supervision, and this means it is generally more expensive. So, where labor costs are increasing, allergen-free products suffer a higher degree of inflation.” Indeed, analysis by The Grocer earlier this year found prices for free-from ambient bakery, for instance, rose nearly five percent per kilo in the year ending 18 April, with average prices for branded products up nearly 6 percent, according to Kantar. Meanwhile, Brits spent nearly an extra £500 million in the free-from aisle over the past year, as they stockpiled staples such as pasta, according to data by Kantar. Just one small are where gluten-free brands are facing commodity pressure is in the form of rising prices for rice flour, which climbed sharply due to supply difficulties this year, according to Mintec. With higher prices and greater scarcity on the horizon, many grocers and celiac advocates are asking people without celiac disease to please hold off buying gluten-free products so that people with celiac disease can get the food they need to treat their medical condition. Have you experienced higher prices and/or scarcities when shopping for gluten-free products? Share your experience below. Read more in The Grocer

Celiac.com 01/17/2023 - Supply chain shortages and rising prices have hit everyone, but people with dietary restrictions are getting hit extra hard, with extra high prices associated with a shortage of specialty health food products and ingredients. Higher prices for basic ingredients means higher prices for products that use those ingredients. Jennifer Kinkade, the owner of Dedicated gluten free bakery and coffee shop in Tucson, Arizona, says that she's seeing the highest prices ever for specialty ingredients, especially for gluten-free flour ingredients and starches. For example, Kinkade says her price has tripled for ingredients like tapioca starch. “The flours are one of the hardest things right now...gluten free [was] always expensive, but I think it’s even more expensive now,” she said. The supply chain shortages are caused, in part, by labor shortages in the wake of Covid-19. Labor shortages mean farmers must now carefully choose which crops to grow, which they can easily harvest and get to market in the face of labor challenges. The overall effect of the shortage has meant scarcity of products and ingredients, higher prices, and even changes to product ingredients that mean they are no longer gluten-free. In many cases, companies can't get the gluten-free ingredients necessary to make their products. In some cases, that means they're using non-gluten-free ingredients, so some products are no longer gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. The short takeaway is that things won't likely improve until the labor shortage improves. Until then, high prices and scarcity of gluten-free products will likely be the norm. Have you experienced scarcity of gluten-free products, sky-high prices, or a change in gluten-free status of a product? Share your story in the comments below. See more at kold.com