Gluten free, better or worse?

In recent years we’ve opted for more gluten free, low-gluten and gluten-alternative foods. All of our ready meals are gluten free and we actively support alternatives to gluten, including just simply omitting gluten from meals and food products.

But does that mean gluten free is better for you?

Barring coeliac disease or other inflammatory conditions, not if you’re pursuing a gluten free diet full of processed food including gluten free breads, flours, cakes, biscuits and other manufactured products.

It’s what’s in it that matters

Gluten free diets have gained popularity in recent years, with many people believing that abstaining from foods containing gluten is better for their health, and as a result of this, there has been a large rise in the creation of gluten free products claiming to be healthier.

However, many GF products that are alternatives to traditional wheat based foods are full of so many ingredients that contribute to inflammation - including the highly refined and highly glycemic corn and maize starch, sugars, emulsifiers, additives and binding agents.

What we do understand is that modern farming processes relating to wheat, including the widespread use of the herbicide glyphosate contribute to sensitivities and symptoms in people who otherwise do not have underlying medical conditions connected to gluten and this is only growing.

Given this, we would advocate for wheat products that are not GM, are organic and are otherwise free from hyper-processed ingredients like refined seed oils, emulsifiers or other additives - in moderation. If looking for gluten free alternatives in baking or other processed products look for simple, whole, unrefined, organic flours and alternatives.

When crafting our own gluten free flours, or seeking gluten free alternatives we actively seek out the ingredients and for us it’s a process. We’ve just created a GF DF lemon and blueberry muffin that not only tastes amazing, but has a lovely texture too, and the flour blend we mix has only four ingredients. Pop into our cafe and try it!