Unexpectedly Gluten-Free

[Sharon]

Much can be and has been said about Wal-Mart and people either usually love or hate this ubiquitous retailer. From the gluten-free perspective, I have to give credit to them – Wal-Mart unexpectedly rocks. For months now, my husband and I have been pleased to discover that most of the Great Value store brand products are either labeled gluten-free or state that they contain wheat and/or are processed in a facility that handles wheat. This is a huge help to us, especially when the majority of name brands seem to be oblivious and neglect to reference any allergy information on their packaging. So far, we have not had any issues with the Great Value foods that are labeled gluten-free.
Wal-Mart also carries a pretty decent selection of name brand gluten-free products such as pasta, cereals, snack bars, and baking mixes. They also stock most of the alternative milks – soy, rice and almond. It seems like every shopping trip we discover something else, such as the now gluten-free Chex cereals which – beware - are very difficult to stop eating. As if this was not good enough, one of our local Wal-Mart Super Centers has been renovating their whole interior and just created a gluten-free section in a prominent end-of-aisle location. Among other brands, this new section features Tinkyada brown rice pasta, the best yet that we’ve tried, and Glutino crackers and pretzels (yes, it is very worth paying over $6.00 a bag for the lightest, crispiest pretzels you will ever have). There is also a good variety of flours, cookies, baking mixes, mac ‘n cheese, and pre-made meals. I can only hope that this is a sign of things to come in Wal-Marts across the US.

While prices in general are higher for gluten-free anything, being able to get these brands at the low price leader makes it more affordable to shop and cook sans gluten. And now there is some serious competition for dedicated health food stores that sometimes take advantage of their niche market with outrageously high prices. With Wal-Mart in the mix, I am expecting to see more major brands coming out with gluten-free alternatives and lower pricing at natural food stores. There is also the benefit of increased public awareness as more shoppers see these products and become informed about gluten intolerance and celiac disease.

So thanks to Wal-Mart and all stores that are supportive of a gluten-free lifestyle. I hear my husband in the kitchen pouring a bowl of Honey Nut Chex and I think I’ll go finish off the pretzels.