Expo West-Accidentally Gluten-Free

I plan to find the vendors at Expo West that are accidentally gluten-free. You know this story, someone has a great idea for a new food product for a separate and distinct niche market. It may be a no-carb product for someone on the Atkins diet, or it may be a baked good for Passover, or it may be something for bariatric patients or for athletes training for triathalons. All of a sudden the phone calls to customer service start arriving with one question, “Is this product gluten-free?”

The next thing you know an entrepreneur has an entirely new niche market to explore. These days the buzz builds through the blogs and through good old word of mouth. There are so many delicious products that are accidentally gluten-free and to my delight, many decide to put “gluten-free” right on the label.

Snack foods are evolving to include things such as freeze dried fruit or crispy green beans or dried peas. Alternative flours are being explored for their healthy attributes and interesting texture. Nuts and beans and soy are all used creatively these days. There are teas, juices, yogurts and protein bars all reaching out to the gluten-free market. It’s very exciting to have all of these new options in our restricted diets.

I plan on sending out exciting discoveries from the floor of Expo West through Twitter! If you are a vendor with a product that is gluten free—accidentally or otherwise—let me know your booth number!
Kendall Egan