Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, medicines, vitamins, lip balms as well as many other sources. The individual who is on a gluten-free diet faces a challenge because gluten is found in so many ingestible products. Avoiding gluten in the diet presents a challenge.
Gluten Incorporated in Many Products
Gluten is contained in many food items as well as items that come in contact with the mouth. The Mayo Clinic warns that the following items may contain gluten and cautions individuals on a gluten-free diet to verify the ingredients list before using such items:
- Food additives, such as malt flavoring, modified food starch and others
- Medications and vitamins that use gluten as a binding agent
- Lipstick and lip balms
- Toothpaste
- Postage stamps
- Play dough
Individuals who endeavor to eliminate gluten from their diet diet must remain ever vigilant because even some foods that are considered gluten-free may be contaminated with gluten if they are processed in factories where wheat or other gluten products are also processed. Food labels must also be carefully scrutinized. If the label doesn’t say “gluten-free” assume that the item contains gluten.
Strict Diet
Adhering to a diet free of gluten is obviously difficult. To add to the difficulties, the food choices are limited and often lack variety and flavor. For instance, fresh meats, fish and poultry are among acceptable food choices in a diet free of gluten, but these food items cannot be “breaded, batter-coated or marinated” (Mayo Clinic). The methods of preparation and range of flavors are thus limited.
However, some food industries have recognized the growing demand for gluten-free foods. Individuals with celiac disease are a substantial source of the demand as they suffer intestinal damage if they ingest gluten; their lifestyle is even affected by their diet.
Gluten-free Diet and Lifestyle
Researchers from Columbia University conducted a study (based on questionnaires and respondents with celiac disease) and concluded that “a gluten-free diet impacts both lifestyle and quality of life for individuals with celiac disease…. (Also) 26 percent of the respondents violated their diets when dining at restaurants and 21 percent didn’t follow the diet restrictions at parties or social functions”; the respondents also stated that “the diets are too hard to maintain away from home” (American Dietetic Association, 2003).
Gluten-free Food Delivery
Obviously then, such restrictive diets are difficult to maintain, but the food industry leaders who recognize the demands of the population (which includes individuals with celiac disease, wheat allergies, autism, ADHD and others in pursuit of better health through diet) that follow this diet are trying to meet the needs of these consumers. The list of companies that deliver gluten-free foods is short, but includes the following.
- Purfoods Gluten-free - Purfood offers delivery of gluten-free food (fresh not frozen) that the company promises is “lab-tested and approved to contain less than 20 gluten parts per million.” The delivery area is limited and is verified by zipcode.
- zpizza – zpizza also has a limited delivery area, 19 locations in 16 states. This company was profiled in Parent Magazine and boasts gluten-free as well as vegan pizzas; the emphasis is on healthy ingredients. The menu and ingredients are listed on the website.
- The article “Top 7 Specialty Foods Sites” by Mary Kugler (About .com) lists some websites that deliver gluten-free foods. The websites listed don’t specialize in delivering ready-to-eat meals, but the items that are featured add variety to the restrictive diet.
Restaurants and food delivery services are beginning to respond to the needs of individuals on gluten-restricted diets. The consumer with celiac disease needs to inquire about items on the menu and carefully evaluate the ingredients and method of food preparation, but the food industry is gradually adjusting to the needs of special dieters. Grocery stores now offer some items that don't contain gluten and even some fast-food restaurants (Carl's Junior offers a hamburger on lettuce, no bun) are responding.
Maintaining a diet that eliminates gluten can be a challenge, but the choices and varieties are gradually expanding. Most marketers are willing to supply a demand, so the individual on a gluten-free diet can only benefit from making inquiries and making his or her consumer demands known to restaurants, grocery chains, and food delivery services.
References
Celiac Disease. (2008). National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Health Publication. Nih.gov
Celiac disease and motivation behind dietary supplement purchases. November 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
Food delivery for dieters. (2009).
Kugler, K. (2007). Specialty Foods Sites.” About.com
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2008). Gluten free diet: How to go gluten free. MayoClinic.com
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