Gluten-free versions of everyday items such as bread and biscuits are turning into a luxury item, with buyers noting that a small decent loaf now approaches £4. Shoppers have long paid more for these specialist products, so further rises cause worry, especially for those needing gluten-free foods for health reasons. While a standard 800g white loaf remains under £1, a smaller 550g gluten-free version usually costs around £1.90. Branded options cost more: a 480g Promise loaf now sells for £3.90 in many stores. Alison Peters, who runs Coeliac Sanctuary, says a good gluten-free loaf often reaches about £4. Promise bread is £3.90 at Tesco and Sainsbury’s, while own-brand gluten-free bread is frequently near £2. UK food price rises had been easing before recent conflicts, after earlier jumps linked to the 2022 Ukraine invasion. Food and drink costs rose about 3% in the year to April, but disruption could push the rate near 10% by year end. Peters, who has coeliac disease, worries gluten-free food is becoming a luxury instead of an essential medical need. Costs rise fast for families with multiple cases due to genetics. A household may use several loaves weekly. Brands like Promise and Doves Farm have increased. Average gluten-free bread now costs £3.12, up 17p or nearly 6% since May 2025, per Trolley.co.uk data on 40 items. Gluten-free flour rose over 10%, or 36p, to £3.80 on 17 products. Some brands saw larger jumps. Gluten-free items are often smaller too. A 300g pack of supermarket gluten-free cornflakes costs about £1.80, while regular versions are half that for 500g. Even custard creams cost more: £1.60 for eight gluten-free versus 65p for 30 regular. Peters notes extra production costs exist but many cannot afford current prices. Nicole Marvin told Guardian Money her local Aldi in Dudley removed the free-from section after a year-long trial in 300 stores. She lost access to affordable bread, pasta and snacks. Bread now runs £3.50 for small slices, and an eight-pack of shortbread is £3.45. She can no longer buy gluten-free flour there to bake cheaply. Aldi says the trial ended but suitable products remain available. Research by Coeliac UK shows a weekly gluten-free shop can cost 35% more. Eight in 10 people struggle to afford staples, and three in 10 eat items that may contain gluten to cut costs. The charity fears ending adult prescriptions for gluten-free bread and flour in England adds pressure. Reader Nikki Williams reports broad price rises and little choice in rural Aberdeenshire, where energy costs have doubled. She worries further industry cost increases will raise prices more, especially for families with children who must eat gluten-free.
