How Accessible and Affordable is Gluten-free Food?

Bear in mind you are only talking about processed products here. A gluten free diet is perfectly affordable and accessible if you eat fresh, natural food.

Bear in mind you are only talking about processed products here. A gluten free diet is perfectly affordable and accessible if you eat fresh, natural food.

In poor communities, access to fresh produce and proteins is often very limited or not available at all. I would agree, for most people, non processed food is a good way to go but in poor communities, that usually isn't an option.

In my area of the U.S. most food pantries have gluten free items. I volunteer at several of them. Actually more gets donated then they give out for people who are gluten free. So be sure if you are gluten free and can't afford items to call a local food pantry to check!

It's tough in poorer neighborhoods because the fresh produce is often more expensive, not as good of quality and slimmer pickings. I know many local stores and farms donate food to food pantries as well. The deck is often not stacked in some people's favor.

In my area there are a few specialty shops for gluten free food as well as some supermarkets. You never see a gluten-free item on sale and when you find something you really like they stop carrying it because it either becomes unavailable to buy commercially or it becomes too expensive for the store to carry it.

Bear in mind you are only talking about processed products here. A gluten free diet is perfectly affordable and accessible if you eat fresh, natural food.

This is true, however, it is still more expensive to eat all natural foods. Check it out, unless you grow your own, natural/organic fruits and vegetables are more expensive than the others. Want to make fried chicken or fish as a treat? Well, you have to dish out the big bucks for gluten free panco or flours. No, it's not just processed foods.

This is true, however, it is still more expensive to eat all natural foods. Check it out, unless you grow your own, natural/organic fruits and vegetables are more expensive than the others. Want to make fried chicken or fish as a treat? Well, you have to dish out the big bucks for gluten free panco or flours. No, it's not just processed foods.

Nita, I make my own panko crumbs from a box - or 2 - of Rice Chex (gluten-free) that I put in my processor and reduce to whatever consistency I like. They are great. Try the thin boneless pork chops lightly breaded with these crumbs and quickly fried. Delicious !!

In my area there are a few specialty shops for gluten free food as well as some supermarkets. You never see a gluten-free item on sale and when you find something you really like they stop carrying it because it either becomes unavailable to buy commercially or it becomes too expensive for the store to carry it.

I agree, Joe, just try to get Dei Fratelli gluten-free Tomato Soup. You just can't find it. It showed up once in our grocery and then disappeared forever. I did find it online, but you need to pay shipping costs unfortunately. It is, however, a really great tasting tomato soup.