Pizza: Hold The Wheat

Jun 23
07:21

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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For many of Americans suffering from Celiac disease, eating traditional restaurant purchased pizza is thing of the past. Read on to learn more.

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People with Celiac disease are intolerant of the gluten found in wheat,Pizza: Hold The Wheat Articles barley and rye. When sufferers ingest foods containing gluten, immediate side effects can range from becoming violently ill to having a slight stomachache to feeling fatigued. In fact, some people suffer no immediate reactions to the foods, but will develop inexplicable health problems later in life that when fully understood relate back to gluten.

Yet, pizza is still the all-American meal served up at birthday parties, church dinners and college dorm rooms. Everyone loves a greasy slice every once in a while. Just like a person with a peanut allergy being surrounded by a sea of tasty looking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Celiac sufferers hate feeling left out. However, even a small bite is not worth it.

With the disease becoming more recognized among doctors, there are an increasing number of people being diagnosed with gluten intolerance. This doesn't mean that gluten intolerance is rising - it isn't. Doctors are just better at realizing when symptoms are pointing to the disease.

While being completely frustrating for those recently diagnosed, the rise in diagnoses is good thing for the non-gluten consumer. More diagnoses means more tasty gluten free treats on the market. Things like gluten free pastas and breakfast cereals, and pizzas are popping up on the shelves. The biggest name brands are getting into the spirit with Betty Crocker offering popular gluten free baked mixes.

Frozen pizzas in gluten free varieties are becoming readily available at supermarkets beyond Trader Joes and Whole Foods. Wal-Mart, Stop and Shop, and regional markets are all beginning to carry gluten free pizzas and other items. While the prices are a little steep at times, this is a big win for the average gluten free consumer. Being able to buy those goods that make a person feel "normal" is a big deal to someone with allergies or intolerances.

Like wise, as the gluten intolerance becomes more widely understood, more restaurants are offering gluten free menus to their clients. Not all chefs are willing to create gluten free items for their restaurant patrons, but most want to be inclusive. As this desire for inclusiveness continues, chain restaurants will join in, offering allergy free menu items that are just like their most popular items. Hamburger buns, wraps and subway sandwiches are the final destination.

Although Uno Chicago Grill works to offer gluten free dough in most of its locations, any Celiac sufferer would love to see the day that they can walk into a Dominos, Pizza Hut or Papa Johns and order a slice. Again, as more mainstream restaurants like Uno produce respected gluten free meals, more national chains will jump in.

Perhaps it won't be long till after the little league game season closer, a mom orders delivery pizza for the kids - choosing one cheese, one supreme and one pepperoni on a gluten free crust.

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