Offer more-affordable gluten-free food, says health charity

Gluten free food shop can be as much as 20 per cent more expensive than a standard weekly food shop, states a leading health charity, calling on the food makers to offer more affordable gluten-free food.

According to Coeliac UK’s recently released report The gluten free diet – How much does it cost and why does it matter?, a gluten free loaf of bread is on average 4.3 times more expensive than a standard gluten containing loaf and there is even more disparity between the cheapest products, with the cheapest gluten free loaf of bread costing 7.2 times more than the cheapest gluten containing loaf.

When these differences are looked at on an annual basis, based on typical bread consumption, the annual cost for white and brown/seeded bread for someone on a gluten free diet compared with someone on a gluten containing diet is £171 versus £41.

Consumers will also pay on average double for gluten free staple substitutes, such as crackers (2.5 times more), bread rolls (2.3 times more), plain flour (2.1 times more), pasta (1.9 times more) and cereal bars (1.8 times more), states the report.

The report also reveals there are limited variety and budget options for all gluten free products, which puts a disproportionate burden on those with the lowest incomes. This would be a challenge at the best of times but in the context of a cost of living crisis, it raises concerns that many people with coeliac disease could struggle to afford their gluten free diet, the only treatment for the condition.

The poorest of the UK population normally only spends £22.45 per week on their food shopping, which is insufficient to ensure the diet is adequately nutritious.

Tristan Humphreys, head of advocacy at Coeliac UK, commented: “As the cost of living crisis shows no sign of abating, Coeliac UK has heard from concerned members who are struggling to be able to afford to buy gluten free food and worried about the impact this might have on their health. As food insecurity increases, the cost of living crisis could become a cost of health crisis for many.

“For those with a diagnosis of coeliac disease, following a strict gluten free diet is not a choice but is a medically prescribed diet and is essential for their health. Our report reveals that people with coeliac disease are being disproportionately affected – a weekly food shop can cost as much as 20% more for an individual with coeliac disease, which can be an even greater burden for families with more than one person diagnosed.

“We’re calling on policy makers and the food industry to join with us to help support those with coeliac disease and ensure they can access the food they need to treat their condition,” Humphreys said.