If gluten-free foods are absolutely essential for people who suffer from celiac disease (1 individual out of 300 in Europe according to specialists), the fashion for “gluten-free” has gradually imposed itself in recent years in French supermarkets, in particular for its slimming benefits.
Are gluten-free foods, however, better for health and for the line? Not so sure, according to a new survey by the association 60 million consumers, published this Thursday, July 12, 2018.
First thing to know: products labeled “gluten-free” are generally more expensive than conventional foods. “In a French supermarket, a pack of 400 grams of gluten-free Barilla spaghetti costs around 2 euros, when “normal” pasta is 0.80 euros for 500g” reveal the association’s experts.
Gluten-free foods, but higher in calories and more expensive
Second info: gluten-free foods (which form the basis of several slimming diets) are often… more caloric. Experts have compared two grain breads: the gluten-free alternative is about 40% more caloric than its classic counterpart, and contains 3 additives whose consumption in high doses would be likely to cause bloating and diarrhea.
Ditto for a brand of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, which display 497 Kcal per 100 g against “only” 413 Kcal per 100 g for similar cookies with gluten! Finally, banishing gluten from your diet may not be the best health and slimming reflex…
Read also
Celiac disease: a treatment for gluten exposure
The perfect gluten-free diet… doesn’t exist
1 chocolate fondant, 4 healthy versions