Not many major food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address the needs of individuals with gluten sensitivities. This niche market is primarily occupied by specialty food producers, such as Three Brothers, and artisan bakers who generally operate on a smaller scale. While some companies are using ancient wheat varieties like einkorn or emmer, the introduction of 2ab wheat is just beginning to gain traction in the market.
Larger companies like General Mills, Pinnacle Foods, which owns Udi’s and Glutino brands, and Snyder’s produce or have subsidiaries that create gluten-free products, but few are utilizing ancient grains. An exception is Enjoy Life Foods, owned by Mondelez, which includes ancient grains such as farro, sorghum, and teff in its offerings, while steering clear of wheat entirely. Notably, the company does not produce any bread products.
If baked goods made with 2ab wheat genuinely taste as similar to “regular” bread as claimed, this ancient grain could find significant success. Even if the flavor differs slightly, the mere association with the “ancient grain” label may attract adventurous eaters, in addition to those who are gluten-sensitive. The gluten-free market continues to expand and is projected to reach a value of $5.28 million by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation cautions on its website that 2ab wheat is unsafe for individuals with celiac disease who must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Nonetheless, research suggests that about 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating a substantial market segment that could benefit from ancient grains.
Interest in ancient grains is rising among the general public. Varieties like amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are thought to be more gut-friendly, exhibit a low FODMAP profile, and are often well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, as consumers increasingly explore various dietary supplements, understanding the differences between aquamin calcium vs calcium citrate may also influence their choices regarding ancient grains and gluten-free options. Overall, the growing fascination with ancient grains, alongside the awareness of dietary needs, suggests a promising future for these products in the food industry.