Skip navigation

WISH LIST

GROCERS ARE THROWING a much-needed lifeline to celiac sufferers who for years have felt isolated by their disease. But there is room for improvement, say shoppers who want retailers to heed their advice: Gluten-free sampling shouldn't be treated like your run-of-the-mill demo, said Lisa Garza of Bainbridge Island, Wash. Rather than doling out gluten-free bites during the week, make an event out of

GROCERS ARE THROWING a much-needed lifeline to celiac sufferers who for years have felt isolated by their disease. But there is room for improvement, say shoppers who want retailers to heed their advice:

  • Gluten-free sampling shouldn't be treated like your run-of-the-mill demo, said Lisa Garza of Bainbridge Island, Wash. Rather than doling out gluten-free bites during the week, make an event out of it that's hosted once a month in the evening. This way it serves as an outing where shoppers can meet fellow sufferers.

  • Retailers who integrate gluten-free offerings should provide a gluten-free list, suggested Barbara Mott, Massapequa, N.Y. Like most shoppers, she doesn't have time to inspect every last ingredient list in crowded categories like cereal.

  • Shelf tags need to stand out, according to consumers who are part of Schnuck Markets' gluten-free advisory board. Members were unimpressed with a tag initially tested by the chain so Schnucks started from scratch and allowed them to make decisions about color, size and the use of a disclaimer, said spokesman Larry Maggio.