Not many major food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address gluten sensitivities. This niche market is primarily occupied by specialty food producers, like Three Brothers, or artisan bakers who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some companies are starting to utilize ancient wheat varieties such as einkorn or emmer, the introduction of 2ab wheat is just beginning to emerge in the marketplace.
Larger companies like General Mills, Pinnacle Foods—owner of Udi’s and Glutino brands—and Snyder’s do produce gluten-free products through their subsidiaries, but very few are utilizing ancient grains. An exception is Enjoy Life Foods, owned by Mondelez, which includes ancient grains like farro, sorghum, and teff in its offerings, although it doesn’t produce any wheat-based bread products.
If baked goods made with 2ab wheat truly taste as similar to conventional bread as claimed, this ancient grain could have a bright future. Even if the flavor is slightly different, the mere presence of the “ancient grain” label could attract both adventurous eaters and those with gluten sensitivities. The gluten-free market continues to expand, with projections estimating its worth to be around $5.28 billion by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation warns that 2ab wheat is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease, who must adhere to a strict 100% gluten-free diet. Still, research suggests that approximately 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 rising among the general public. Grains such as amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff are thought to be more gut-friendly, with a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. As consumers become more health-conscious, products like calcium citrate vitamin D3 with zinc tablets may also gain popularity, complementing the nutritional benefits of ancient grains in a holistic approach to diet and wellness.