5 Challenges of Gluten-Free Living

Nobody said it would be easy going gluten-free. In Australia, we’re blessed to have many wonderful gluten-free choices on supermarket shelves and in the local bakery, but there are still many challenges that gluten-intolerant and Coeliac people face day in, day out.

1. Gluten-Free Living Can Be Expensive

There’s no doubt about it: gluten-free foods can be so darned expensive. A loaf of ‘normal’ bread might set you back $3 but a gluten-free version half the size can easily cost $6. It just isn’t fair, but it mostly comes down to supply and demand.

Demand for gluten-free food in Australia is on the rise whilst supply remains limited, thus increasing the cost. As more and more manufacturers and bakeries produce gluten-free food, expect the equilibrium cost to gradually lower.

2. Resisting Cravings Can Be Difficult

Unfortunately, many gluten-free versions of our favourite foods just don’t taste as good as the ‘real’ deal. Things were worse a decade or so ago, but nowadays many gluten-free bakeries bake fresh, tasty goods that are often just as good – if not better – than the real thing.

If you’re suffering from intense cravings for your favourite no-no food, you may be surprised to find a gluten-free version that’s now available. Our baked goods catalogue has impressively grown, so feel free to browse and find a gluten-free savoury or sweet to satisfy that craving.

3. Travelling Abroad

It is true that many other countries are adopting gluten-free dietary choices in supermarkets and restaurants on a rate comparable with Australia (e.g. Canada, UK, United States). Although this makes travelling to those countries a lot easier – not to mention a shared common tongue – it’s no consolation for many other countries where English is not widely spoken and gluten-free is rare or non-existent.

Italy is one notable example where outside of major metropolitan areas such as Milan or Rome, senza glutine ‘gluten-free’ is just not a thing. Unfortunately, most of the well-known staple dishes contain gluten, so even if you do find a good restaurant your choices will likely be severely limited. Many other countries essentially have little to no choice for gluten-free eating, so supermarkets may have to suffice.

4. Friends Don’t Always Fully Understand Dietary Restrictions

Imagine yourself having a few glasses of wine with friends on a pleasant summer evening. Laughing and joy all around. As the sun goes down and another bottle is emptied, rumbling stomachs evoke that craving for Macca’s or a greasy pizza from that place down the road.

It’s hard enough finding gluten-free restaurants whilst sober, but an awful lot more difficult as an inebriated group when everyone forgets that your dietary restrictions mean that you simply cannot eat what they’re having.

5. What’s Gluten, Anyway?

Now, in Australia, a growing number of people understand what gluten is and how some are intolerant or altogether allergic to gluten. Education is a good start, surely, but there still remains a large amount of the population that simply don’t understand gluten intolerance or the effects of gluten.

Going abroad, many countries simply don’t have gluten-free living like we do in Australia. Even the mention of the word gluten might get some raised eyebrows, whether in English or in the native tongue.

Gluten Free 4 U

At Gluten Free 4 U we help make gluten-free living easier, tastier, and we’ll even cut down on your cravings with our tasty savouries and sweets.