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Are gluten-free products really worth the extra cost?

Willene Shutle

Well, well, well...the age-old debate on whether gluten-free products are truly worth the extra moolah has reared its controversial head once again! As someone who’s been somewhat forced to dabble in the world of gluten-free (thanks, celiac disease), I’m here to give you the inside scoop on whether or not this stuff is worth all your hard earned dinero.

First off, let’s start by breaking down exactly what gluten is. For those of you who haven’t been living under a rock for the past decade, you’ve probably heard of this pesky little protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause some serious trouble for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Essentially, when folks with these conditions consume gluten, their immune systems freak the fudge out and wreak havoc on their bodies (think: inflammation, bloating, brain fog, the works).

So, for those of us who do need to avoid gluten, those gluten-free products can seem like a godsend. No more scrutinizing food labels for hidden sources of gluten, no more staring longingly at that big ol’ loaf of bread on the bakery shelf, no more embarrassing digestive issues at the most inconvenient times (hey, we’ve all been there). But is it really worth the extra cash to swap out gluten-containing goodies for their gluten-free counterparts?

Here’s the thing: it depends. I know, classic cop-out answer, but hear me out. If you’re someone who doesn’t really notice any negative effects from gluten (whose lucky duck friends call them “normal”), then there’s really no need to shell out the extra c-notes for gluten-free products. Not only can they sometimes be more expensive, but they can be harder to come by and may not taste quite as delicious as their gluten-filled equivalents.

However! If you’re someone who does experience negative effects from gluten (like me and my fellow celiac comrades), it can be absolutely worth it to fork over a little extra dough (pun intended) for gluten-free products. Not only can they prevent some pretty gnarly symptoms, but they can also help avoid long-term damage to the gut that can otherwise occur with continued consumption of gluten.

One important thing to keep in mind, though, is that just because something is labeled “gluten-free” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier. There are plenty of gluten-free products out there that are just as packed with sugar and other not-so-great-for-you ingredients as their gluten-filled cousins. So, as with anything, it’s important to read ingredient labels and make informed choices about what you’re putting in your bod.

All that being said, there are some pretty dang tasty gluten-free products out there that are definitely worth shelling out a little extra cash for (I’m lookin’ at you, Canyon Bakehouse Everything Bagels). And hey, with the rise of gluten-free options in restaurants and grocery stores, it’s getting easier and easier to go gluten-free without breaking the bank.

So there you have it, folks: the age-old question of whether or not gluten-free products are worth the extra cost ultimately comes down to whether or not you actually need to avoid gluten. If you’re part of the lucky duck club that gets to consume gluten with abandon, then save your cash for something else. But if you’re like me and my gluten-sensitive buddies, a few extra bucks for some delicious gluten-free treats can be totally worth it.