07.23.12
According to a survey conducted by Vitacost.com Inc., an online retailer of health and wellness products, more consumers are choosing to eat gluten-free foods. Close to half of the 1,484 individuals who responded said they follow an exclusively gluten-free diet, while 38% choose "some" gluten-free products. Those who don't eat gluten-free foods say the products are too expensive.
The nationwide survey asked individuals about their efforts to follow a gluten-free diet and delved into reasons why consumers avoid gluten. Forty percent said they choose gluten-free foods because they tend to have an upset stomach after eating foods containing this protein, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. Meanwhile, 31% choose gluten-free foods because they see them as the "healthier" option. Only 13% of those taking the survey said they had celiac disease, a condition diagnosed with a blood test. Vitacost.com is a corporate sponsor of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), an advocacy organization for celiac patients and those following a lifelong gluten-free diet.
"At Vitacost.com, we have seen increased interest in our gluten-free products and conducted this survey to better understand consumer needs and concerns around this specialty diet," stated David Zucker, Ph.D., chief marketing officer. "The results of the survey make us more committed than ever to offering gluten-free foods at affordable prices, so that people can better meet their health goals."
Celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders are a problem for millions of Americans. "For these individuals, the gluten-free diet is a lifelong need,” commented Alice Bast, founder and president of NFCA.
The nationwide survey asked individuals about their efforts to follow a gluten-free diet and delved into reasons why consumers avoid gluten. Forty percent said they choose gluten-free foods because they tend to have an upset stomach after eating foods containing this protein, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. Meanwhile, 31% choose gluten-free foods because they see them as the "healthier" option. Only 13% of those taking the survey said they had celiac disease, a condition diagnosed with a blood test. Vitacost.com is a corporate sponsor of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), an advocacy organization for celiac patients and those following a lifelong gluten-free diet.
"At Vitacost.com, we have seen increased interest in our gluten-free products and conducted this survey to better understand consumer needs and concerns around this specialty diet," stated David Zucker, Ph.D., chief marketing officer. "The results of the survey make us more committed than ever to offering gluten-free foods at affordable prices, so that people can better meet their health goals."
Celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders are a problem for millions of Americans. "For these individuals, the gluten-free diet is a lifelong need,” commented Alice Bast, founder and president of NFCA.