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Celiac.com 12/20/2024 - Living with celiac disease means more than just avoiding gluten; it involves a lifelong commitment to a strict diet that ensures every ingredient and meal is free from even trace amounts of gluten. However, the financial burden of maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is significant. To help mitigate this, a new federal petition is circulating, advocating for a $1,000 refundable tax credit for Canadians with celiac disease. This proposed measure addresses the rising costs of gluten-free products and recognizes the medical necessity of a gluten-free diet for those affected. The Financial Reality of Living Gluten-Free The cost of gluten-free food can be 150-500% higher than similar gluten-containing products, creating a hefty financial burden for those with celiac disease. Betsy Hiebert, a Winnipeg-based bakery owner with celiac disease, describes how her family’s gluten-free bread costs about $11 per loaf, compared to the $6.99 spent on her husband’s gluten-containing bread. For her business, gluten-free oats are twice as expensive as regular oats due to the extensive steps needed to prevent cross-contamination with gluten. These costs reflect the need for specialized production facilities and stringent testing protocols that ensure gluten-free products are safe for individuals with celiac disease. The Hidden Costs of Cross-Contamination Prevention Hiebert highlights the scarcity of gluten-free ingredients on the Canadian Prairies, despite the abundance of crops like oats. In traditional facilities, oats often come into contact with wheat, barley, or rye, making them unsafe for people with celiac disease. To provide gluten-free options, food producers must rely on gluten-free-dedicated facilities, which adds to the price. The limited availability of such facilities in Canada further inflates the cost of gluten-free foods. This extra expense is necessary, as even trace amounts of gluten can lead to severe symptoms for those with celiac disease. Christa Dubesky, president of the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Manitoba Chapter, points out that gluten consumption can trigger over 300 different symptoms in individuals with celiac disease, from digestive discomfort to more systemic effects like brain fog and joint pain. Ensuring food safety is not only a dietary choice but a necessity for maintaining health and avoiding serious complications. Seeking Tax Relief: The Federal Petition for a Celiac Tax Credit While the Canadian government currently offers a Medical Exemption Tax Credit for people with celiac disease, it’s complex and not easily accessible. Melanie Bauer, a CCA Manitoba Chapter member, describes the burdensome process of tracking gluten-free grocery receipts and calculating the price difference with regular gluten products. The tax credit only applies if the additional costs exceed three percent of the household income, making it difficult for many to qualify for the deduction. For individuals like Bauer, the benefits are often not worth the time-consuming paperwork and hassle. To simplify this process and support those in need, a federal petition was launched in October 2024, calling for a straightforward $1,000 refundable tax credit. Within weeks, the petition received over 24,000 signatures, demonstrating significant public support. This tax credit would help alleviate the financial burden for Canadians with celiac disease, ensuring that they can afford the safe food they need without compromising their health. Addressing Food Insecurity Among the Celiac Community The Canadian celiac community faces additional food insecurity challenges. Bauer notes that the number of requests for gluten-free food hampers at Harvest Manitoba has more than doubled in the past three years. In addition to regular hampers, the organization now prepares a special batch of gluten-free hampers for Christmas, highlighting the increasing demand for accessible gluten-free food. Rising costs and limited options force many people with celiac disease to make difficult choices, sometimes prioritizing gluten-free food for children while risking their own health by eating gluten-containing products. Dubesky emphasizes that the proposed tax credit could reduce these struggles. For families affected by celiac disease, this financial support would enable them to maintain a gluten-free diet without straining their resources. A tax credit would make it easier for people with celiac disease to adhere to their medically necessary diets, potentially preventing adverse health outcomes and reducing their need for medical interventions. Long-Term Health and Economic Benefits of Supporting a Gluten-Free Diet Providing tax relief for people with celiac disease not only improves individual well-being but can also reduce strain on the healthcare system. When people with celiac disease are able to maintain a strict gluten-free diet, they experience fewer symptoms and avoid the long-term complications associated with gluten exposure, such as nutritional deficiencies and increased risk for certain cancers. Hiebert argues that supporting people with celiac disease in maintaining a gluten-free diet reduces their need for doctor visits, ultimately saving healthcare costs. This tax credit could make gluten-free food more accessible, enabling people with celiac disease to live healthier lives without the stress of constantly calculating their grocery bills. Additionally, it raises awareness of celiac disease as a medical condition, not a dietary choice or trend. Recognizing gluten-free food as a medical necessity supports people with celiac disease in leading active, fulfilling lives without the constant worry of hidden gluten in their meals. Conclusion: A Step Toward Inclusivity and Health Equity The petition for a $1,000 refundable tax credit is more than a call for financial support—it’s a step toward inclusivity and health equity for those with celiac disease. With the high cost of gluten-free food and the limitations of existing tax deductions, many Canadians with celiac disease are left to shoulder the financial burden of their dietary needs. This tax credit would alleviate that burden, making it easier for individuals to access the safe food they need to maintain their health and well-being. For people like Hiebert and Bauer, as well as countless others affected by celiac disease, this measure would be transformative. It would not only make gluten-free living more sustainable but would also raise awareness about the real challenges faced by those with celiac disease. The petition is an important step in recognizing the importance of accessible, safe food for all and creating a more inclusive society that understands the unique needs of those with medical dietary restrictions. Read more at: globalnews.ca

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

Celiac.com 07/27/2021 - Rising costs for gluten-free wholesale ingredients, like rice flour, are driving up prices and leading manufacturers to look for solutions. The solution for some, might lie in changing recipes. Rising prices for gluten-free ingredients Buyers who already pay premium prices for gluten-free foods could find themselves squeezed a bit more, and rising prices for gluten-free bulk ingredients are driving up manufacturing prices. Gluten-free shoppers already pay more for food than non-gluten-free shoppers, but that reality could fast be compounded by rising costs and logistical difficulties. For example, the wholesale price of rice flour, a key ingredient in numerous gluten-free products, like bread and cakes is up more than twenty-five percent, while freight costs are up ten percent. The problem is both lingering, due in part to disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic, and wide-scale, which could pressure companies to alter recipes with cheaper or more readily available ingredients. Shoppers pay higher prices for gluten-free staples The price pressure comes amid a warning by the Food and Drink Federation that food prices are expected to rise up to 5% by the autumn, as worker pay and other costs increase. Two in five people who eat and buy free-from products said they cut back on them “when money is tight," says Kiti Soininen, category director for UK food and drink research for market research firm Mintel. Concerns are that consumers who need gluten-free foods might be forced to make hard choices when buying groceries, and some will simply choose to do without. “Prices are typically noticeably higher than for standard products,” Soininen said. Studies show that only fifteen percent of households earning under under £25,000 buy gluten-free products compared with twenty-three percent in homes with an annual income of £50,000 or more. Read more in the Guardian

Celiac.com 10/17/2012 - This article originally appeared in the Winter 2012 edition of Celiac.com's Journal of Gluten-Sensitivity. It’s estimated that of the 3 million Americans with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease triggered by exposure to gluten-a protein component of wheat, barley, and rye-only 3% have been diagnosed. The good news for celiac patients who have been diagnosed is that the treatment for their condition is simple and doesn’t require the ingestion of drugs--a gluten-free diet. Unfortunately, celiac patients must deal with several challenges in maintaining a diet free of gluten, specifically the expenses involved. Compared with “regular” gluten-containing foods, gluten-free alternatives are more expensive. In fact, a study has indicated that gluten-free foods cost more than double their gluten-containing counterparts. In a study by the Dalhousie Medical School at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, prices were compared between food products labeled as “gluten-free” with comparable gluten-containing food products at two large-sized chain grocery stores. Unit prices of the food items in dollars per 100 grams were calculated for this purpose. According to the study, all the 56 gluten-free products were more expensive than their corresponding products. The average unit price for gluten-free products was found to be $1.71, compared with $0.61 for the gluten-containing products. This means that gluten-free products were 242% more expensive than gluten-containing items. Fortunately, celiac patients can receive tax deductions for certain expenses related with their gluten-free diet. To receive these benefits, celiacs must provide a doctor’s note confirming their celiac diagnosis and save their receipts for all their gluten-free foods and other products they purchase. The difference between the prices of gluten-free items compared to those of regular items is tax-deductible. Products that don’t have a gluten-containing counterpart, such as xanthan gum and sorghum flour, are totally tax-deductible. Shipping costs for online orders of gluten-free items are also tax-deductible. In order to file your claim, you should fill out a 1049 schedule A for medical deductions. For more information, contact a qualified accountant. There are other ways to avoid spending loads of money on gluten-free foods. For instance, stay away from gluten-free processed and “junk” foods such as snack foods and desserts made with refined carbohydrates and sugar and lacking nutrients. Not only will you save money, but you’ll safeguard your health. I recommend making meals comprised of nutritious, naturally gluten-free whole foods at home such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, poultry, fish, meats, nuts and seeds, and eggs. These foods are packed with vital nutrients and don’t carry any additional costs. Make sure that no gluten has been added to such foods and they are safe from cross-contamination. Another way to save money is to make your own gluten-free mixes yourself, such as the ones I recommend on my gluten-free website. Instead of buying expensive commercial gluten-free baking mixes, you can create your own gluten-free flour mixes for a variety of foods such as pancakes, pizza, rolls, and muffins and store them conveniently in your refrigerator or freezer. I also recommend purchasing gluten-free ingredients in bulk online, as many websites offer great deals. These are just a few of the ways to save money on the gluten-free diet. It is unfortunate that gluten-free foods are more expensive than “regular” food items, especially to such an extraordinary degree, however savvy gluten-free dieters can through tax deductions and smart shopping choices cut down on their expenses. Perhaps in the future we will see a decrease in gluten-free food pricing, but one thing is for sure-we should consider ourselves lucky that we have found an answer to our health problems. Even if the gluten-free diet is expensive, at least it’s the road to greater health and quality of life.

Celiac.com 10/24/2017 - Global wheat prices are plummeting in the wake of massive overstocks and anemic consumption. The problem is serious enough that Canada, the world's top producer of durum wheat, has cut its production nearly in half, to a six-year low. Even those drastic measures have had failed to raise prices, which are down about 30 percent from 2016. Worse still, experts are projecting a continuing decline in demand over the next year. Italy, Canada's second largest buyer of durum wheat in 2016, is planning to introduce rules in early 2018 that could further reduce imports. This comes at a time when consumers are buying less wheat products, as more and more people are adopting gluten-free, and low-carbohydrate diets. Italy is not the only problem for wheat growers, and durum is not the only variety to be hit by the reduction in demand. Weak demand overall will drive total global wheat stockpiles up to a record 263.4 million metric tons in 2017, according analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Those predictions exceed estimates made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the agency has already taken steps to revise its earlier estimate. According to Neil Townsend, a senior analyst at FarmLink in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Italy's plan is “just another nail in the coffin” to industry efforts to incrementally grow demand. After slowly bouncing back from the Atkins diet craze, the wheat industry is now “kind of getting gnawed away by the gluten thing. There's just no growth,” said Townsend. Source: bloomberg.com

Celiac.com 06/01/2017 - With low prices and slim margins, life is tough for people who trade in wheat, corn and soybeans these days. So much so that some traders are turning to obscure commodities like desert-grown tomatoes and chickpeas to turn a profit. Over the last several years, as farmers have produced far more of these crops than the marker can handle, margins for handling major grain crops have sunk. That has led some trading firms to seek higher margins in niche markets, such as tomatoes and organic grains, while other firms are looking to organic grains, and markets for costlier processed food ingredients or gluten-free products. One such company is Germany's BayWa AG. According to Jean-Francois Lambert, the founder and managing partner of consultant Lambert Commodities, "The general trading environment for agricultural commodities is rather difficult," and the challenge looks to continue, at least through next year. This fall in prices is a far cry from the price surge seen for much of the previous decade, when growing populations and burgeoning economies drove rising demand. Now, really huge firms are unlikely to see much benefit from investing in these smaller markets, no matter the margins. That's because the markets are still too small to have any major impact on their bottom line, and any gains would represent only tiny fractions of their overall portfolios. However, small and mid-sized traders can potentially do much better with investments in lesser-known commodities like quinoa or organic crops. For these traders, higher margins and growing demand can yield returns that improve their bottom line. One small company, Grain Services Srl, a brokerage based in Reggio Emilia, Italy, currently receives about 30 percent of its total revenue from gluten-free, organic or niche products, including quinoa, rice, amaranth and lentils, even though these make up just 7% of the firms overall business, says managing director Andrea Cagnolati. With prices for gluten-free grains and flours expected to surge over the next ten years, look for more investors to make big bets on that market, or to use it as a hedge against major market doldrums. Source: ESMMagazine.com

Celiac.com 05/12/2017 - The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is an organization that certifies gluten-free products and food services. The GIG's latest definition and requirements for the product purity protocol was published by AACC International. The purity protocol defines the way of growing, harvesting and processing oats to keep them safe from gluten contamination, GIG's CEO, Cynthia Kupper, said. Until now, the term lacked a uniform definition, allowing companies who used it a degree of wiggle room. Under the new standard, companies will now have to provide documentation that prove the processes they follow are based on the newly standardized definition in order to use the claim 'purity protocol oats,' said Kupper. "Given the continuing growth of the market for gluten-free products, it is essential that terms like 'purity protocol' be defined for both food manufacturers and consumers," she added. Farmers collect higher fees for growing and managing oats under purity protocol conditions, and those higher prices usually get passed to consumers. Currently, the gluten-free products most commonly contaminated by wheat are granola and cookies that contain oats, Kupper told Bakery and Snacks. In addition to providing more confidence for consumers, the new protocol could lead to a price decrease, partly due to an expected increase in demand for products made with pure oats. That demand is partly driven by added consumer confidence in purity protocol products. In addition to tightening the purity protocols for oats, GIG plans to further standardize gluten-free screening for other grains, including rice, quinoa and other grains, according to the organization. Keep an eye on purity protocol oats to see if the predictions of lower prices, higher consumer confidence and safer oats hold true, and if so, whether those protocols can be applied to grains like rice and quinoa. Read more at BakeryandSnacks.com.