Not many major food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address the needs of individuals with gluten sensitivities. This area is currently dominated by specialty food producers, such as Three Brothers, and artisan bakers who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some companies are beginning to explore ancient wheat varieties like einkorn or emmer, 2ab is just starting to enter the market. Larger manufacturers, including General Mills and Pinnacle Foods — which owns brands like Udi’s and Glutino — along with Snyder’s, generally 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 uses ancient grains like farro, sorghum, and teff, but does not include wheat in its offerings. The company also lacks a bread product.
If baked goods made with 2ab Wheat truly taste comparable to conventional bread, as claimed by the company, this ancient grain could achieve significant success. Even if the flavor is somewhat different, the “ancient grain” label may attract both adventurous eaters and those sensitive to gluten. The gluten-free market is on the rise, and projections suggest it could reach a value of $5.28 million by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation cautions on its website that 2ab Wheat is not safe for individuals with celiac disease, who require a strict gluten-free diet. Still, research indicates that approximately 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, highlighting a substantial consumer base that could benefit from ancient grains.
Interest in ancient grains is gaining traction among the general populace. Grains such as amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are believed to be more gut-friendly, possess a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, some of these ancient grains can provide nutrients such as calcium citrate, which is beneficial for heart health. As this trend continues to evolve, the potential for ancient grains, especially when combined with nutrients like calcium citrate, to positively impact heart health and digestive well-being becomes increasingly evident.