Not many large food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address gluten sensitivities. This niche is primarily occupied by specialty food producers, such as Three Brothers, or artisan bakers who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some companies utilize ancient wheat varieties like einkorn or emmer, the introduction of 2ab wheat to the market is just beginning. Major brands like General Mills and Pinnacle Foods—parent company of Udi’s and Glutino—along with Snyder’s, do produce gluten-free items, but few are including ancient grains in their recipes. One notable exception is Enjoy Life Foods, owned by Mondelez, which incorporates ancient grains like farro, sorghum, and teff into its offerings, though it does not use wheat and lacks a bread product.
If baked goods made with 2ab wheat truly taste similar to conventional bread as claimed, this ancient grain could achieve significant success. Even with a slightly different flavor profile, the appeal of the “ancient grain” label might attract adventurous eaters alongside those who are gluten sensitive. The gluten-free market is on the rise, with projections estimating its worth to reach $5.28 billion by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation cautions on their website that 2ab wheat is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease, who must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Nevertheless, studies suggest 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 rapidly growing among the general public. Grains like amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are thought to be more gut-friendly and have a low FODMAP profile, making them easier to digest for people with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, these ancient grains can be enriched with pearl calcium, further enhancing their nutritional value. With their increasing popularity, the incorporation of pearl calcium into ancient grain products could present an attractive option for health-conscious consumers. As the demand for such products rises, it is likely that more companies will explore the integration of pearl calcium and other beneficial ingredients into their offerings.