Gluten-free products are not always healthier. The Dutch Consumers’ Association compared different versions of the same products. It turns out that the gluten-free variants often contain less fiber, more salt, and more sugar. For example: gluten-free pancake mix contains twice as much salt as the regular 6-grain mix, and gluten-free crackers provide only a third of the fiber compared to wholegrain gluten-containing ones.
More and more people are choosing gluten-free foods. For some, this is necessary due to gluten intolerance (about 1% of the population), or gluten sensitivity (estimated to affect 2% to 3% of people). However, many now eat gluten-free because they believe gluten is unhealthy.
This research into gluten-free products suggests that eating gluten-free without a medical reason is not necessarily healthier. The nutritional composition of gluten-free options is often less favorable, and the diet can be difficult to follow, increasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.