Gluten is a type of protein predominantly found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It serves as a kind of glue to help foods maintain their shapes. In recent years, however, gluten-free diets have seen a surge in popularity for medical and lifestyle reasons.

Despite this popularity, there’s still plenty of mystery surrounding these food items. Read on to learn more about gluten-free food as we debunk three common misconceptions.

Myth 1: Gluten-Free Food Tastes Bad

One prevalent misconception is that gluten-free foods lack flavor. This assumption likely stems from the early days of gluten-free products, which were not as well-developed in taste and texture. However, the range and quality of these products have evolved significantly. Today’s gluten-free foods include various flavorful items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and grains such as quinoa and rice. In fact, many people find that gluten-free foods taste better because they use simple, organic ingredients rather than processed ones, which can often lack flavor.

Myth 2: Gluten-Free Diets Are Only for People With Celiac Disease

There’s a common belief that people diagnosed with celiac disease are the only ones who need to follow gluten-free diets—everyone else is simply wasting their time. While it’s true that individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten, they’re not the only ones who can benefit from gluten-free diets. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies can experience relief from their symptoms by eliminating gluten from their meals. Moreover, some people without any of these conditions report feeling healthier on gluten-free diets.

Myth 3: Gluten-Free Foods Are More Expensive

Many people believe gluten-free foods are inherently more expensive. There can be a price difference between gluten-free and regular products, but it’s not always significant. The cost often depends on the type of product and the brand. Gluten-free foods made with simple, natural ingredients can be pricier than their processed counterparts, largely because the ingredients used are of higher quality and better nutritional value. Nonetheless, with the increasing demand for gluten-free products, many affordable options are available today.

Now that we’ve debunked these common misconceptions about gluten-free foods, there’s no reason not to try a similar diet for yourself! You can embrace gluten-free alternatives here at Rise & Puff by browsing our delicious selection of gluten-free wraps.