Coeliac UK has released a new report – The gluten free diet – How much does it cost and why does it matter? It aims to raise awareness of the challenges being faced by people suffering from coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition where the only current treatment is a medically prescribed gluten free diet.
Coeliac UK is calling on members of the public, policy makers, healthcare professionals and food industry to pledge their support for the charity’s campaign against the high cost of gluten free food. #GFCostPledge
The report reveals a weekly gluten free food shop can be as much as 20% more expensive than a standard weekly food shop. A gluten free loaf of bread is on average 4.3 times more expensive than a standard gluten containing loaf and there is even more disparity between the cheapest products, with the cheapest gluten free loaf of bread costing 7.2 times more than the cheapest gluten containing loaf.
When these differences are looked at on an annual basis, based on typical bread consumption, the annual cost for white and brown/seeded bread for someone on a gluten free diet compared with someone on a gluten containing diet is £171 versus £41.
Consumers will also pay on average double for gluten free staple substitutes, such as crackers (2.5 times more), bread rolls (2.3 times more), plain flour (2.1 times more), pasta (1.9 times more) and cereal bars (1.8 times more).
The report also reveals there are limited variety and budget options for all gluten free products, which puts a disproportionate burden on those with the lowest incomes.
There is concern amongst medical professionals that the increased cost of gluten free options makes it much harder for those with coeliac disease to maintain the strict gluten free diet they need to manage their condition.
Tristan Humphreys, Head of Advocacy at Coeliac UK, commented: “As the cost of living crisis shows no sign of abating, Coeliac UK has heard from concerned members who are struggling to be able to afford to buy gluten free food and worried about the impact this might have on their health. As food insecurity increases, the cost of living crisis could become a cost of health crisis for many.
“For those with a diagnosis of coeliac disease, following a strict gluten free diet is not a choice but is a medically prescribed diet and is essential for their health. Our report reveals that people with coeliac disease are being disproportionately affected – a weekly food shop can cost as much as 20% more for an individual with coeliac disease, which can be an even greater burden for families with more than one person diagnosed.
“We’re calling on policy makers and the food industry to join with us to help support those with coeliac disease and ensure they can access the food they need to treat their condition.”
