The cost of gluten-free bread has risen significantly, with the price of a small branded loaf nearing £4, prompting concerns that basic gluten-free products are becoming unaffordable for many consumers.
Retailers are now selling a 400g gluten-free loaf for as much as £3.85, making it more expensive per gram than some premium sourdough breads. This increase has led to calls from campaigners for supermarkets to offer more affordable gluten-free options for those with coeliac disease and others who require gluten-free diets.
Rising Prices and Limited Choices
According to recent data, the average price of a gluten-free loaf has increased by 27% over the past two years. The price of a standard 800g loaf of regular bread remains under £2 at most major supermarkets, highlighting the disparity in cost between gluten-free and standard bread products.
Gluten-free bread is often sold in smaller 400g loaves, which campaigners say exacerbates the cost difference. Many shoppers have reported that the higher prices and limited selection of gluten-free products make it difficult to maintain a gluten-free diet, especially for families and individuals on lower incomes.
Impact on People with Coeliac Disease
Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Coeliac UK, stated, “For people with coeliac disease, gluten-free bread is not a lifestyle choice but a medical necessity. The rising cost of gluten-free staples is putting additional pressure on those who already face higher food bills.”
Coeliac UK has called on supermarkets to ensure that affordable gluten-free options are available to all customers who need them. The charity has also urged the government to monitor the situation and consider support measures for those affected by the price increases.
Supermarket Response
Supermarkets have acknowledged the higher costs associated with producing gluten-free foods, citing more expensive ingredients and stricter manufacturing processes to prevent cross-contamination. Some retailers have stated they are working to keep prices as low as possible and are expanding their own-label gluten-free ranges to provide more choice.
However, campaigners argue that the current pricing structure means gluten-free basics are increasingly out of reach for many people who rely on them for health reasons.
Further Information
For more details, visit the original report at this link.
