A recent study by Coeliac UK has revealed that the cheapest loaf of gluten free bread is 7.2 times more expensive than the cheapest that contains gluten.
They also found that a gluten free trip to the supermarket can be 20% pricier compared to an average shop.
But who cares? Gluten free diets are just a fad, right?
Wrong!
For many (myself included), eating gluten free is not a choice – we need to do it to survive.
According to Coeliac UK, “Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition, affecting around 1 in every 100 people.
“Symptoms are wide ranging but can include bloating, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and tiredness.”
It cannot be cured and can only be treated by eating a completely GF diet.
This means that the cost-of-living crisis is disproportionately affecting individuals with Coeliac disease.
If they cannot afford to buy gluten free food, they are forced to eat food that actively damages their bodies.
So why not just eat naturally GF foods?
Solely relying on gluten free staples such as potatoes and rice can cause other problems.
They’re significantly low in both calcium and iron, which are essential minerals for everyone but especially important for Coeliacs with deficiencies.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues with no end in sight, Coeliac UK have launched their own campaign to make GF food more accessible and affordable.
They want to work alongside supermarkets, food banks and the NHS so gluten free food is available to anyone that needs it.
They are also encouraging their members to write to their MPs and join their Wall of Support.
Something needs to change – Coeliacs and anyone who doesn’t eat gluten for medical reasons deserve inexpensive and readily available food, just like everyone else.
Find the full report on their website.
Feature Image Credit: Pexels.com
Film, media and journalism student. I like writing about my inability to eat gluten.
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