Gluten-Free Goodness

With celiac disease on the rise in the United States, it's no wonder that food manufacturers have shifted the way they make products to accommodate consumers' diets. Many food and beverage CPG companies have created gluten-free items, and supermarkets and retailers have increased their selection in response to this growing trend. Here are just some of the gluten-free goods lining store shelves today.

Both Kellogg's and General Mills offer popular cereals in gluten-free varieties. The companies now produce Rice Krispies and several flavors of Chex, respectively, in gluten-free forms.

Looking for crackers or other snacks that don't contain the wheat, barley, or rye that set off the ailment? Snyder's-Lance, Incorporated, makes a number of products that conform to the celiac diet, including an assortment of chips, popcorn, and pretzel sticks. Frito-Lay also generates dozens of gluten-free munchies for people who suffer from an intolerance to foods containing gluten.

Baking has been made easier as well, with quite a few companies supplying ingredients for amateur and professional bakers alike. King Arthur Flour provides an array of mixes and flours to make everything from breads and brownies to cakes and cookies. With such products, gluten-free bakeries have been popping up around the country, making it easy for sufferers to enjoy muffins, pies, and pastries.

More substantial meals are effortless, too. Heinz offers convenient options for gluten-restricted diets, such as sauces, condiments, and frozen entrees. Additionally, Thai Kitchen has recipes to change up your lunch or dinner while still meeting the needs of a celiac diet.

Those needing to stick to a gluten-free regime, but want to eat more natural foods are in luck. Start your morning out right with everything from waffles to cereal by Nature's Path. Amy's Kitchen even has a plan for customers looking to lose weight or eat healthy while sticking to a gluten-free regimen. Consumers have even more natural and organic options thanks to Annie's. The company's line of gluten-free goods includes crackers, pastas, and salad dressings.

Retailers across the country, such as Trader Joe's, Giant Eagle, and Supervalu stores, are all working toward catering to customers with gluten sensitivity.

Get answers to your questions about gluten-free living from Kraft, and be sure to check out additional resources from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Are you following a gluten-free diet? Tell me where you shop and which brands you buy to help maintain your lifestyle.

Thanks, Lori, for your inspiration behind this post!