Gluten Free Galore

by sacramento, May 26, 2009 | Permalink

Why all the hype about gluten-free and wheat-free?  What is this about anyway? 

Gluten, a protien found in wheat, gives bread it’s elasticity.  But it is also the culprit of Celiac Disease, an autoimmune system disease.  Gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction which damages and destroys villi in the small intestines.  As villi are destroyed, absportion of nutrients diminishes.  Symptoms include abdominal distress and pain, gas, bloating, weight loss, diarrhea, rashes, fatigue and more.

Often mis-diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intollerance, it has recently been linked to Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism in kids.  There is no cure thus total avoidance of foods containing gluten is necessary.

In steps the Whole Foods Market (WFM) Gluten Free Bakehouse!  Yes, WFM carries a very large selection of gluten-free products, many made by our internal Gluten-Free Bakehouse, located in Morrisville, NC.  Started and run by a Whole Foods employee who has Celiac Disease, the breadth of product continues to grow.  Only gluten-free products are produced in the bakehouse!

All WFM gluten-free bakehouse products are located in the frozen isle in every WFM store, and include a variety of breads, muffins, cookies, brownies, pizza dough, scones, biscuits, corn bread, pies and more.  If you have questions about Whole Foods’ Gluten-Free Bakhouse products, just ask a team member or see Sherri in the bakery.

We also offer a few gluten-free cooking classes in our Culinary Center, including “All About Gluten-Free Flours” the first Sunday of every month.  Check our on-line calendar for information. 

Look for our gluten-free marker to locate products throughout the store with this sign: