Not many major food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address gluten-related concerns. This niche is primarily occupied by specialty food creators — such as Three Brothers — and artisan bakers who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some companies utilize ancient wheat varieties like einkorn and emmer, the newly introduced 2ab Wheat is just beginning to make its way to the market. Larger brands like General Mills and Pinnacle Foods — which owns Udi’s and Glutino — as well as Snyder’s, either produce or have subsidiaries that create gluten-free offerings, but few are utilizing ancient grains. One notable exception is Enjoy Life Foods, owned by Mondelez, which incorporates ancient grains such as farro, sorghum, and teff into its products, but notably excludes wheat. The company does not offer any bread products.
If baked goods made with 2ab Wheat truly taste as similar to conventional bread as the company claims, this ancient grain may find considerable success. Even if the flavor differs slightly, the “ancient grain” label could attract both adventurous eaters and individuals sensitive to gluten. The gluten-free market is continuously expanding, projected to reach a value of $5.28 million by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation cautions on its website that 2ab Wheat is not suitable for those with celiac disease, who must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Yet, research suggests that about 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating a substantial consumer base that could benefit from ancient grains.
There is a growing interest in ancient grains among the general public. Grains like amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are believed to be more gut-friendly, have a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, for those who may be looking for nutritional supplements, products like bariatric advantage chewable calcium citrate can complement a diet focused on health and wellness. As the trend of incorporating ancient grains gains momentum, the potential for innovative products that cater to health-conscious consumers, including those seeking alternatives like bariatric advantage chewable calcium citrate, continues to expand.