As Sept. 13, Nationwide Celiac Illness Consciousness Day, approaches, these with the situation can take solace in Amy’s Kitchen’s intensive lineup of gluten-free frozen meals and merchandise. The natural meals firm, recognized for its vegetarian and vegan choices, has steadily expanded its gluten-free choices lately to cater to clients with celiac illness and gluten sensitivities.
Recognizing the rising demand for gluten-free choices, Amy’s Kitchen launched its first gluten-free merchandise in 2001. So what was its debut gluten-free dish? Rice Mac & Cheese was the primary Amy’s Kitchen dish to ditch the gluten. At the moment, the corporate gives over 100 gluten-free gadgets throughout its menu, together with Mole Enchilada, its standard Broccoli Cheddar Bake, burritos, pizza, soups, veggie burgers and even dishes akin to Mole Enchilada and Pad Thai.
And for California diners fortunate sufficient to dwell close to one among its three Amy’s Drive Through areas, every part on the menu will be made gluten free, like its natural veggie burgers, pizzas, burritos, and extra.
“One of many many advantages of being family-owned and operated is that Rachel and Andy [Berliner, Amy’s founders] can attempt new issues with out having to persuade a boardroom stuffed with shareholders,” reads amys.com. “So when Rachel began receiving letters concerning the issue of dwelling with a gluten allergy, the Berliners met with their chef and began cooking up some new recipes.”
The model quickly turned a pioneer in producing a variety of gluten-free meals.
“Our imaginative and prescient is to supply scrumptious and nutritious meals which can be accessible to all, no matter dietary preferences or restrictions — from vegan and gluten-free choices to heart-healthy and allergen-friendly alternate options,” the Berliners state in a letter in Amy’s 2023 affect report. “Everybody ought to have a seat on the desk.”
Amy’s Kitchen’s gluten-free merchandise bear rigorous testing to make sure they meet Meals and Drug Administration requirements for gluten-free labeling. The corporate makes use of devoted gluten-free manufacturing strains and implements strict protocols to forestall cross-contamination. All gluten-free gadgets are clearly labeled for straightforward identification by customers.
What Is Celiac Illness And How Does Gluten Worsen It?
Celiac illness is an autoimmune dysfunction triggered by consuming gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac illness, consuming gluten can result in harm within the small gut and a spread of well being points. The one remedy for celiac illness is a strict gluten-free weight loss plan.
An estimated 1 in 100 folks worldwide are affected by celiac illness, however solely about 30% are correctly identified, in response to the Celiac Illness Basis.
There are many well-known folks dwelling with celiac illness, too, who’ve been vocal about what it’s like dwelling with the situation, together with actress Zooey Deschanel and star of Shameless Emmy Rossum.
Current market analysis exhibits the gluten-free merchandise market is projected to extend by $5.23 billion by means of 2027, with a compound annual progress charge of 9.66%. This progress displays rising consciousness of celiac illness and gluten sensitivities, in addition to a common development in the direction of gluten-free diets amongst sure customers.
To that finish, Amy’s Kitchen has invested in creating gluten-free recipes that goal to match the style and high quality of their gluten merchandise. This contains sourcing different grains and flours like rice, quinoa, and corn to create gluten-free variations of pasta, bread, and different wheat-based elements of their meals.
Amy’s Kitchen has additionally expanded its gluten-free choices to incorporate choices for different dietary wants and preferences. Most of the firm’s gluten-free merchandise are additionally dairy-free, catering to clients who keep away from each gluten and lactose. The corporate gives vegan and gluten-free gadgets as effectively, akin to its gluten-free, dairy-free mac and cheese made with rice pasta and a plant-based cheese different.
Amy’s Kitchen started in 1987 when founders Andy and Rachel Berliner began making natural vegetarian potpies at residence. The corporate has since grown into a significant participant within the pure and natural frozen meals market, with a product line that features over 135 varieties of things offered in shops throughout the US and internationally.
