Gluten-free is more than just a trend...

The gluten-free market is growing at an astounding rate for a number of reasons. In recent years, more information has become available regarding food allergies, and more people are receiving diagnoses of gluten-related allergies, leaving the door wide open for food manufacturers!

It is estimated that around 1% of the world population has celiac disease, an adverse intestinal immune reaction to gluten consumption, and up to 10% experiences gluten sensitivity, which is less severe. In addition, a large number of health-conscious consumers without any form of gluten intolerance have decided to go gluten-free for other reasons. Consumer research reveals that approximately one third of Americans intend to reduce or eliminate gluten in their diets. Clearly, there are countless opportunities for food producers willing to accommodate the unique needs of gluten free-consumers.

Udi’s Food, a gluten-free producer, has seen sales increases from $6 million to $130 million in just three years. Other food manufacturers such as Blue Diamond and Way Better Snacks continually innovate to produce new varieties of gluten-free products. In addition, some restaurants have started to prepare gluten-free meals when requested. The demand for gluten-free products is undoubtedly high.

Even still, manufacturers need to commit to gluten-free–trace amounts of gluten can lead to incredible discomfort for intolerant individuals. This means using only gluten-free ingredients in food production. Common food additives, especially flavor carriers like malodextrin, often contain gluten. Thankfully, an alternative is available. All RIBUS ingredients are certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America and function in place of common processing aids. Commit to the well being of gluten-free consumers and use gluten-free RIBUS ingredients for food processing!

Sources:

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-gluten-free-20130518,0,5338117.story

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2006/06/tapping-into-the-gluten-free-market.aspx

Chipotle Mexican Grill recently made national headlines with a groundbreaking decision to reveal GMOs used in their food. This was a bold move – the first of its kind among major food suppliers in the nation – and a testament to Chipotle’s commitment to people, animals, and the environment.

In 2001, Chipotle released a mission statement entitled Food with Integrity, which explains the chain’s commitment to serving natural and organic products to contribute to global sustainability. Particularly, Chipotle has expressed its efforts to use organic ingredients and naturally raised meat when possible. In 2011, 50% of all produce served in restaurants nationwide was sourced from small and midsize local farms, and 40% of beans were organic. These percentages are continually on the rise.

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have become part of the global food supply in recent years, and have generated much controversy from those concerned about health and environmental implications. Consumers are beginning to seek out non-GMO food products, but the Food and Drug Administration does not require producers to include this information on the label.

Without a doubt, Chipotle is responding to this consumer need, which will only bode well for them in the future. Though around half of the menu items still contain GMOs in some form, the company hopes to eliminate GMOs altogether as soon as possible. The genetically modified ingredients currently in use are soy and corn, which are often difficult to source in conventional form.

Nevertheless, RIBUS has a non-GMO, sustainable solution for soy lecithin replacement. Nu-RICE, extracted from rice bran, is available in natural or certified organic formulations.

With the demand for non-GMO products and ingredients on the rise, hopefully GMO disclosure will become a trend throughout the food industry.

Source:

http://www.naturalnews.com/040751_Chipotle_GMO_labeling_Whole_Foods.html