Adopting a gluten-free diet has recently become a popular fad due to its purported health benefits. This growing trend, while beneficial in some aspects, has, in many cases, neglected to bring those for whom gluten-free food is a necessity into the conversation. For those who struggle with celiac disease, a gluten allergy or intolerance, having access to gluten-free food is a life or death situation, or at the very least, one of health or extreme illness and discomfort.
I first encountered the realities of celiac disease when I met my now good friend in my senior year of high school. While at first avoiding gluten can seem like an easy fix, it is a lot more difficult and nerve-wracking than I first believed. A mislabeled food item, a messed up order, a delayed prescription and a person can find themselves in the hospital experiencing the beginnings of organ failure. With its increasing popularity, more gluten-free food options have become available; however, the quality and assurance of the food being completely gluten-free has become more of a question.
“According to a 2015 survey of more than 1500 American adults, “no reason” (35%) was the most common explanation for selecting gluten-free foods” (Reilly). “Only 2% of shoppers who buy gluten-free foods do so because they have celiac disease, while 59% said they buy such products because they think they are more healthful, according to a 2013 shopper survey published by the Food Marketing Institute, which represents retailers” (Schultz). For those who are not going to be sickened by traces of gluten, it isn’t a big deal if a company cuts a few corners or a waiter decides it isn’t that important to ensure the person’s order is prepared gluten-free.
In addition to the issues that arise when gluten-related health concerns are not taken seriously, the newfound popularity of gluten-free food has led to astronomical price increases. In a survey conducted to compare the costs of 56 gluten-free products in two separate chain grocery stores, it was determined that “[a]ll 56 gluten-free products were more expensive than regular products[… .]On average, gluten-free products were 242% more expensive than regular products” (Stevens). It is important to note that studies have shown that it is often not much more expensive, if at all, to produce food gluten free than regular foods. This incredible price disparity leaves those who must follow a strictly gluten-free diet at the mercy of greedy producers.
In Canada, for example, those who must eat gluten-free for legitimate health reasons can write the costs of gluten free food off in their taxes and receive money back. For this part of the population who already has to deal with paying expensive medical bills, this allowance makes a big difference. This is an issue that few people other than those who live with a disease or allergy are concerned with. More attention needs to be brought to the daily struggle of those are taken advantage of and left behind when it comes to their health and nutritional needs.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t eat gluten free if you don’t have to, but do be aware and be sensitive of the realities and inequalities that exist for those who suffer from gluten-related health issues. It may not seem like a big deal, but this popular fad has serious implications for many people and these shouldn’t be ignored.
*Sources: (Reilly, Schultz, Stevens, S. Smith)
