The True Cost of Eating Healthy Gluten-Free Foods

Summary

Navigating a gluten-free diet can be both challenging and costly, especially for those diagnosed with celiac disease. This article explores the financial implications of eating gluten-free, supported by detailed statistics and studies. Discover how much more you might pay for gluten-free foods, the market growth, and the economic costs involved. Learn about the specific costs of gluten-free products compared to their gluten-containing counterparts and the rationale behind these expenses.

The Gluten-Free Market Growth

The gluten-free market has seen significant growth over the years. In 2004, the average American consumed 133 pounds of wheat per person. From July 2004 to July 2005, consumers spent over $600 million on gluten-free foods, marking an annual growth of 14.6%. By 2007, the market for gluten-free foods and beverages in the USA exceeded $700 million and was projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2010 (source).

Economic Costs of Gluten-Free Foods

Time is money, and gluten-free foods are more expensive—a simple fact. Several studies have highlighted the financial burden of maintaining a gluten-free diet. One notable study from June 2007 used data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to compare the availability and price differences between regular and gluten-free foods across various store types and regions.

Study Findings

• Availability: Health food stores and online sites had the largest selection of gluten-free foods, carrying 94% and 100% of the market basket items, respectively. In contrast, upscale markets and local grocery stores had an availability of 41% and 36%, respectively (source).
• Price Difference: Gluten-free foods were found to be 79% more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts. Bread and pasta were particularly costly, being twice as expensive as their wheat-based equivalents.

Specific Costs

A 2007 study by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlighted the significant price differences between gluten-free and regular products:

Additional Findings

A study conducted at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, compared the unit cost of gluten-free and regular products from two large-chain grocery stores. The findings were stark:

• The average unit price for gluten-free products was $1.71.
• The average unit price for regular products was $0.61.
• On average, gluten-free products were 242% more expensive than their regular counterparts (source).

Tax Deductions for Gluten-Free Foods

An interesting discovery by a celiac patient in the US revealed that certain IRS rulings allow the cost difference between gluten-containing and gluten-free foods to be tax-deductible for celiac patients. However, only the portion that exceeds 7.5% of adjusted gross income for all medical expenses combined would be deductible. For instance, on an income of $50,000, one could only deduct any extra expense of gluten-free foods (and other legally deductible medical expenses) that exceeded $3,750 (source).

Conclusion

The higher cost of gluten-free foods can be attributed to several factors:

• Production Costs: Gluten-free foods require production lines and factories to be thoroughly cleaned of all gluten products, increasing manufacturing costs.
• Market Size: The gluten-free market is relatively small, allowing suppliers to set higher prices for their exclusive products.
• Limited Supply: Gluten-free foods are often limited to specialty stores, which typically have higher margins.
• Additional Ingredients: Ingredients like xanthan gum and guar gum require extra preparation steps, adding to the cost.

Until the number of diagnosed celiac patients reaches a critical mass, the prices of gluten-free foods are likely to remain high.

References

1. Low Availability and Increased Cost of Gluten-Free Foods
2. Dalhousie University Study
3. Flexible Spending Accounts and Celiac Disease