Not many large food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products for individuals with gluten sensitivities. This niche primarily belongs to specialty food producers, such as Three Brothers, or artisan bakers who usually operate on a smaller scale. While some companies are exploring ancient wheat varieties like einkorn or emmer, the introduction of 2ab wheat is just beginning to make its way into the market. Major brands, including General Mills, Pinnacle Foods—which owns Udi’s and Glutino—and Snyder’s, either 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 features ancient grains such as farro, sorghum, and teff in its product lineup, but does not include wheat. Notably, the company does not offer any bread products.
If bread made with 2ab wheat truly tastes as similar to “regular” bread as the company claims, this ancient grain could find a successful place in the market. Even if the flavor differs slightly, the “ancient grain” label may attract both adventurous eaters and those with gluten sensitivities. The gluten-free market is expanding and is 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 100% gluten-free diet. Nevertheless, research suggests that around 5 to 10% of the population may experience some form of gluten sensitivity, indicating a substantial consumer base that could benefit from ancient grains.
There is a growing interest in ancient grains among the general public. These grains—including amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff—are often considered more gut-friendly, exhibit a low FODMAP profile, and are generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate ph into diets that utilize ancient grains could further enhance their nutritional profile, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As awareness of the benefits of ancient grains continues to rise, the demand for products that incorporate these grains, along with supplements like calcium citrate ph, is likely to increase.