The name 'Gluten' derives from the glue-like property of the wet dough that gives elasticity and the ability to rise while baking. Gluten is a common type of protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. Out of all the gluten-containing grains, wheat is most common. Gluten is composed of two main proteins, namely gliadin and glutenin. Gliadin is responsible for a large number of adverse side effects caused by gluten.
Why might gluten be bad for you?
When a person diagnosed with celiac disease eats gluten, the protein disrupts the absorption of nutrients from the food by damaging a part of the small intestine known as villi. Damaged villi make it impossible for the body to absorb the nutrients into the bloodstream, which leads to malnourishment and other problems, including thyroid, cancer, osteoporosis, infertility, and numerous other autoimmune diseases.
Who Gets Celiac Disease?
Unfortunately, nearly 83% of every 3 million Americans living with celiac disease remain misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder, and, in some cases, stressful events such as surgery, pregnancy, infection, or severe emotional trauma can trigger the disease.
The only treatment advised for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet as no surgery or medication can cure this autoimmune disease. Eliminating certain, regular food items from the diet can be a little overwhelming for celiac patients. With some effort in the kitchen, people can enjoy delicious food that tastes like their gluten-containing counterparts.
Many companies have introduced a unique 'gluten-free' range of products to provide customers with their popular packaged foods without compromising with taste and causing damage to health. Here is a list of top companies that are determined to bring 'gluten-free' products to supermarkets to help patients maintain a healthy, gluten-free diet.
- General Mills, Inc.
General Mills Inc.'s purpose is to make the food the world really loves. The company is focused on deeply understanding what the customer actually wants and moving quickly to meet those needs with its broad portfolio of brands. Over the years, General Mills has continued to adapt and evolve its portfolio, which is highlighted by eight iconic brands representing more than USD 1 billion in retail worldwide.
General Mills also cares about its customers who are suffering from celiac disease. Therefore, they stepped up to the challenge and introduced more than 600 gluten-free options such as Chex cereals, Betty Crocker Gluten-Free, Bisquick Gluten-Free Baking Mix, Pillsbury Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, and so on. As more and more people are shifting to a gluten-free diet, General Mills believes in manufacturing products that are entirely gluten-free, affordable, and convenient.
- Kelloggs
Kelloggs operates in more than 180 countries globally and holds its legacy for more than 100 years. The company is a household name, believing in producing the best breakfast foods for millions of loyal customers worldwide. When people think of breakfast, they think of cornflakes, and with cornflakes, the name 'Kelloggs’ is already attached.
To make it easier for its customers to practice a gluten-free diet, Kelloggs has now introduced its traditional cornflakes without the gluten. The gluten-free cornflakes are as crunchy and delicious, just like the original version. Special K Gluten Free and Kellogg's Baked Gluten-Free Muesli Breakfast Biscuits are the most-preferred gluten-free breakfast staples.
- Kraft Heinz
For more than 150 years, Kraft Heinz has produced some of the world's most favorite packaged food products. It is one of the most popular global food and beverage companies with a diverse portfolio of iconic and emerging brands. Kraft Heinz generated approximately USD 26 billion of revenue through the sales of its regular and gluten-free packaged foods worldwide.
Kraft Heinz believes in customer value and the creation of innovative and new products. They are dedicated to the sustainable health of their customers and the planet. Their gluten-free product range includes Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Heinz Baked Beans, Chili Style Beans, and so on.
- Mondelez International
Mondelez International is also one of the largest packaged food operating in more than 150 countries across the world. They are proud owners of iconic food brands such as Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Toblerone chocolate, Milka, Sour Patch Kids, and Trident Gum. The company generated an amount of USD 3.4 billion in revenue in 2018.
Mondelez International has also merged with Enjoy Life Foods, a private US snack company, to step into the gluten-free product range. Enjoy Life Foods that offer more than 40 lip-smacking gluten-free products such as chocolate, cookies, snack bars, and savory snacks that are also free from allergens. The company's products are free from eight most common allergens like dairy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, eggs, fish, and shellfish, which account for about 90 percent of commonly diagnoses food allergies.
- Genius Foods
Genius Foods' first loaf of bread came into shops in 2009. Since then, they have decided to bring every kind of gluten-free baked goods to the customers. Their wide range of products contains the basics and special foods like soft white gluten-free loaves of bread, pastas packed with protein and fiber filled wraps that are bursting with flavor.
Genius Foods offers a gluten-free range of products to satisfy all types of cravings. For healthier breakfast options, the company offers pancakes, crumpets, and other kinds of breakfast bakes. For people with a sweet tooth, their gluten-free muffins are a great choice. The company also offers gluten-free puff pastry and shortcrust pastry for creative bakers.
- Hain Celestial Group
Hain Celestial Group Inc. is a leading organic food and personal care products company. The company believes in its long-standing commitment to providing customers with gluten sensitivity with a healthy way of life through its wide range of various multi-brand gluten-free product initiatives.
Hain Celestial offers more than 100 gluten-free products marketed under brand names like Arrowhead Mills, Rice Dreams, Soy Dreams, Imagine, DeBoles that offer products like pancakes and cool, creamy frozen desserts to satisfy every meal and snacking occasions. The company also labels its products as 'Wheat Free' and 'Gluten Free.' The Celiac Disease Foundation also recognizes Hain Celestial for offering numerous healthy, gluten-free products like:
- Arrowhead Mills- cereals, flours, nut butter, beans, seeds, grains, and rice.
- Imagine- broths, soups, and seafood bisques
- Rice Dream- non-dairy beverages, frozen desserts
- DeBoles- wheat-free pasta, rice, and corn-flour
- Hain Pure Foods- baking powder.
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