Why Are Gluten-Free Products So Expensive?

We know that eating gluten free is a matter of making the healthier choice for many, however, many others do so out of necessity. Until there are no-fail treatments for celiac disease, those who have been diagnosed must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Nevertheless, special dietary needs often comes at a price.

Have you found yourself faced with purchasing decisions for your health wondering WHY gluten-free products are so much more expensive than their gluten-full counterparts? Let’s discuss in this post.

Why are Gluten-Free Products So Expensive?

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

One of the reasons gluten-free foods are more expensive lies in the fact that cross-contamination is always a possibility. Therefore, bakeries producing products labeled gluten-free must pay to have the facilities thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. They must also make their products in a facility that is dedicated to the highest standards. Moreover, every batch should be tested for allergy reasons. Additional staffing, special equipment and these additional steps are just a few of the reasons gluten-free foods come with a higher price tag than other foods.

Read about Three Bakers Promise

Gluten Free Certifications

Furthermore, another reason why gluten-free foods tend to be costlier is due to the number of certifications required to bear the gluten-free label. These may include one or more of the following:

• Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
• National Foundation for Celiac Awareness Gluten-Free Certification Program (NFCA)
• The International Certification Services (ICS)
• Celiac Sprue Association Seal of Recognition (CSA)
• Gluten-Free Standards Organization (GFSA)

Each of these agencies has their own set of strict guidelines that gluten free companies must adhere to, each of which can be time-consuming and costly.

Related: Gluten Free Product Compliance – What it Takes to Bear the Label

High Cost/ Low Competition

Overall, reports show that creating gluten-free foods can be 242% more costly than manufacturing products with less strict guidelines. Given this information, in conjunction with the fact that many manufacturers are not eager to sell gluten-free foods for this very reason, and it becomes abundantly clear not only why gluten free foods are costlier, but also that they’re worth every penny.

If you or someone you know has been advised to adhere to a gluten-free diet, shop sales, buy in bulk when you can, and work to move to a gluten-free diet the right way with fresh choices as often as possible.

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