Gluten is the substance that gives food like bread its elasticity and texture. Unfortunately, many people today have discovered that they are sensitive to this substance. Eating foods containing this substance can even be life threatening to some of these people. Fortunately, many food distributors are responding to the need for suitable products. Gluten free shopping online is an option available today that can make a big difference. Retailers offer hundreds of products with new items being added daily.

People who are intolerant suffer an autoimmune reaction causing the small intestine to become inflamed. Nutrients can no longer be properly absorbed. This can result in a number of very serious health problems such as osteoporosis and malnutrition.

The culprits are foods like barley, wheat, rye and oats. These ingredients are contained in numerous products such as breakfast cereals, cakes, biscuits, pasta and bread. People often wonder what they are going to do when they hear that they have to give up these foods. What they do not realize is that there are many substitutes for these ingredients. For example, instead of oats porridge for breakfast, corn grits topped with fruit makes a great substitute.

Rice, legumes, nuts, seeds and tubers can all be turned into flour. These flours all have different qualities, some being lighter like those made from tapioca, some being medium weight like those made from sorghum and heavier ones made from quinoa, nuts, millet and legumes. Flours may be combined to create mixes suitable for baking various products like pancakes, biscuits or breads.

Some stores focus on selling raw ingredients while others specialize in baked goods and prepared foods. Many baking and pancake mixes can be purchased, making food preparation that much easier. From small specialist suppliers to large supermarkets and even a mall devoted to gluten-free products are found online.

When starting out on this journey, individuals may have some difficulty in knowing what foods to avoid. This is why it is very important to read labels. Sauces are often thickened with flour and even yoghurt may be thickened with wheat starch. This is where shopping from a store dedicated to providing gluten-free products can be helpful. Blogs are also be extremely helpful for those first setting out on this journey, offering inspiration, education and often providing many recipes.

Doctors, dieticians and chefs may all be part of the consultation process in the formulation of products. They have to make absolutely sure that no harmful ingredients are used and that what is provided will benefit the health of the customers. Many websites offer education and inspiration for people who have to eat this way.

Many online stores offer coupons and some offer large discounts too. There are items suited to all budgets, from basic supplies for those on a limited budget to exotic fare for those who have more money to spend. The monotony of always having to eat the same foods is avoided as new items are added daily to ranges found in these stores. Recipes, advice, raw ingredients, baked goods and fully prepared meals are all available to help anyone who has to eat in this way. There is no reason for them to have to suffer in any way from their dietary restrictions.