Not many major food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address the needs of individuals with gluten sensitivities. This niche is primarily occupied by specialty food producers, such as Three Brothers, and artisan bakers who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some companies are beginning to experiment with ancient wheat varieties like einkorn and emmer, the introduction of 2ab wheat is just emerging in the marketplace.
Larger manufacturers like General Mills and Pinnacle Foods—owners of brands like Udi’s and Glutino—along with Snyder’s, do produce gluten-free items, 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, but it does not incorporate wheat or bread products.
If baked goods made with 2ab Wheat truly taste as similar to traditional bread as claimed, this ancient grain could see significant success. Even if the flavor varies slightly, the “ancient grain” label might attract adventurous eaters as well as those with gluten sensitivities. The gluten-free market is on the rise, projected to reach a value of $5.28 million by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation cautions that 2ab Wheat is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease, who must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Nevertheless, research suggests that between 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating a substantial consumer base that could benefit from ancient grains.
Moreover, interest in ancient grains is growing among the general public. These grains—such as amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff—are considered more gut-friendly, exhibit a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like ultra calcium citrate can further enhance the nutritional profile of products made with ancient grains, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the demand for ancient grains increases, it is likely that more manufacturers will explore their potential, especially when combined with beneficial additives like ultra calcium citrate.