Not many major manufacturers of ferrous gluconate 324 mg tablets, commonly known as Fergon, are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities. This niche remains largely occupied by specialty food producers, such as Three Brothers, or artisan bakers who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some companies are beginning to use ancient wheat varieties like einkorn or emmer, 2ab wheat is just now being introduced to the market.
Major brands like General Mills and Pinnacle Foods—parent company of Udi’s and Glutino—along with Snyder’s, either produce or have subsidiaries that offer gluten-free options, 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 products, albeit without any wheat. The company does not offer any bread products.
If baked goods made with 2ab wheat truly taste as similar to traditional bread as claimed, this ancient wheat could find significant success. Even if there are slight flavor differences, the allure of the “ancient grain” label could attract adventurous eaters, alongside those who are sensitive to gluten. The gluten-free market continues to expand, with projections estimating it will reach $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. Nevertheless, research suggests that approximately 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating a substantial market that could benefit from ancient grains.
Interest in ancient grains is surging among the general public. Grains such as amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are considered to be more gut-friendly, have a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by individuals with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, products like Citracal with vitamin D and magnesium can complement a diet that includes these ancient grains, further promoting digestive health. As the trend continues, more consumers may seek out options that combine ancient grains with beneficial supplements like Citracal with vitamin D and magnesium to enhance their overall wellness.