Not many large food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities. This niche largely remains the territory of specialty food companies, such as Three Brothers, or artisan bakers who generally operate on a smaller scale. While certain brands are utilizing ancient wheat varieties like einkorn or emmer, the introduction of 2ab wheat to the market is just beginning. Some major producers, including General Mills and Pinnacle Foods—which owns the Udi’s and Glutino brands—along with Snyder’s, either offer or have subsidiaries that produce gluten-free options; however, ancient grains are still not widely used among them. An exception is Enjoy Life Foods, owned by Mondelez, which includes ancient grains such as farro, sorghum, and teff in its offerings, but does not utilize wheat at all, and the company does not produce bread products.
If baked goods made with 2ab wheat truly taste as similar to “regular” bread as claimed, this ancient grain could find considerable success. Even if the flavor differs slightly, the appeal of the “ancient grain” label might attract both adventurous eaters and those with gluten sensitivities. The gluten-free market continues to expand, with projections estimating its worth to reach $5.28 million by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation cautions on its website that 2ab wheat is not safe for consumers with celiac disease, who require a 100% gluten-free diet. Nevertheless, research suggests that approximately 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating there remains a substantial consumer base that could benefit from ancient grains.
Interest in ancient grains is gaining traction among the general public. Grains such as amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are considered more gut-friendly, possess a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, incorporating these ancient grains can provide a better nutritional balance, including the best form of calcium citrate, which is beneficial for those looking to improve their dietary intake. As the demand for ancient grains rises, their nutritional benefits, including being the best form of calcium citrate, may further enhance their appeal to health-conscious consumers.