Not many major food manufacturers are utilizing ancient wheat in their products to address the needs of individuals with gluten sensitivities. This niche market is primarily occupied by specialty food producers, such as Three Brothers, and artisan bakers who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some companies have started to incorporate ancient wheat varieties like einkorn or emmer, the introduction of 2ab wheat to the market is just beginning.
Larger companies like General Mills, Pinnacle Foods—which owns Udi’s and Glutino brands—and Snyder’s produce or have subsidiaries that create gluten-free offerings, but few are tapping into ancient grains. An exception is Enjoy Life Foods, owned by Mondelez, which features ancient grains like farro, sorghum, and teff in its products, though it does not include wheat and lacks a bread product.
If baked goods made from 2ab wheat truly taste as similar to conventional bread as claimed, this ancient grain might be on the path to success. Even if the flavor differs slightly, the “ancient grain” label could attract both adventurous eaters and 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 on its website that 2ab wheat is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease, who must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Nonetheless, research suggests that approximately 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating there is still a substantial consumer base that could benefit from ancient grains.
Interest in ancient grains is growing among the general population. Grains such as amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are thought to be more gut-friendly, have a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, for those looking to enhance their diet, products like calcium citrate magnesium and zinc 500 tablets can provide nutritional support, further complementing the benefits of incorporating ancient grains into their meals. By integrating such supplements, individuals might experience even greater health advantages while enjoying the unique flavors of ancient grains.