Not many major food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address gluten sensitivities. This niche market is primarily occupied by specialized food producers, such as Three Brothers, or artisanal bakers who typically 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 emerge in the market. Notable large manufacturers like General Mills, Pinnacle Foods—owners of Udi’s and Glutino brands—and Snyder’s, either produce or have subsidiaries that create gluten-free products, but few are utilizing ancient grains. An exception is Enjoy Life Foods, a Mondelez-owned brand, which features ancient grains such as farro, sorghum, and teff in its offerings—though it does not include wheat and lacks any bread products.
If baked goods made with 2ab wheat indeed taste as similar to “regular” bread as the company claims, this ancient grain could find commercial success. Even if the taste is slightly different, the label “ancient grain” may attract adventurous eaters as well as those with gluten sensitivities. 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 not suitable for consumers with celiac disease, who must adhere to a strict 100% gluten-free diet. Nevertheless, research suggests that around 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating a substantial consumer base that could benefit from ancient grains.
Interest in ancient grains is growing among the general public. Grains such as amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are considered to be more gut-friendly, possess a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by individuals with sensitive digestive systems. The inclusion of calcium citrate 200 mg tablets in diets may also enhance the nutritional profile of meals featuring ancient grains, making them even more appealing. As awareness of the benefits of ancient grains rises, the potential for integrating products like calcium citrate 200 mg tablets into consumers’ diets will likely increase, further promoting the health advantages of these grains.