06/20/2026
A couple of thoughts on this:
•In my “real job,” I work in special events primarily in the Midwest and see the event details now and again. Lately the number of guests at catered functions requesting a gluten-free meal ranges from
4-6%. That’s significant.
•There is an increasing number of medical conditions where the benefit of a gluten-free diet is apparent. Many autoimmune conditions, many skin conditions, it’s more than celiac and wheat allergy. Food labeling matters more than ever.
WHY DO YOU EAT GLUTEN FREE?
A recent report on the gluten free food industry stated that "While approximately 1 in 133 Americans carries a celiac disease diagnosis and an estimated 83% of those individuals remain undiagnosed (Celiac Disease Foundation), a much broader population is driving category growth.
Approximately 23% of U.S. consumers now actively purchase gluten-free products, with the majority doing so for lifestyle and wellness reasons.'
https://www.thejewishnews.com/online_features/press_releases/crest-operating-partners-releases-landmark-public-report-on-specialty-and-gluten-free-baked-goods-growth/article_18b26eac-c515-5b21-80c7-bc0ea92faa68.html
P.S. NO shade to people who choose to eat gluten free and don't have Celiac Disease/ gluten intolerance. Cranky comments get deleted.