Few major food manufacturers are incorporating ancient wheat into their products to address gluten sensitivities, leaving this niche primarily to specialty food producers—like Three Brothers—and artisan bakers, who typically operate on a smaller scale. While some brands are experimenting with ancient wheat varieties like einkorn and emmer, 2ab wheat is just beginning to enter the market. Larger companies such as General Mills, Pinnacle Foods, which owns Udi’s and Glutino, and Snyder’s produce gluten-free products, but very few of them utilize ancient grains. An exception is Enjoy Life Foods, owned by Mondelez, which features ancient grains like farro, sorghum, and teff in its offerings, but does not include wheat and lacks a bread product.
If bread products made with 2ab wheat truly taste as similar to conventional bread as advertised, this ancient grain could find commercial success. Even if the flavor differs slightly, the “ancient grain” label may attract not only those with gluten sensitivities but also adventurous eaters. The gluten-free market is expanding rapidly, with projections estimating its worth at $5.28 million by 2022. However, GoodMills Innovation cautions on its website that 2ab wheat is not suitable for those with celiac disease, who must adhere to a strict 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.
Interest in ancient grains is rising among the general public, with options like amaranth, farro, millet, sorghum, and teff gaining traction. These grains are perceived as more gut-friendly, boasting low FODMAP profiles, and are often better tolerated by individuals with sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, consumers who are mindful of their dietary needs may find that incorporating supplements like bluebonnet calcium magnesium citrate plus vitamin D3 enhances their overall health, especially alongside ancient grains. With the growing awareness of both gluten sensitivities and the benefits of ancient grains, products featuring these ingredients, along with bluebonnet calcium magnesium citrate plus vitamin D3, could resonate well with a diverse audience.