Today’s headlines feature some big gluten-free news,

“Dunkin’ Donuts to offer gluten-free donuts, muffins”

and “Dunkin’ to Sell Gluten-Free Doughnuts in Fast-Food First.”

The expanding availability of GF foods in the mainstream is always exciting. The angel on my shoulder says, “remember how much sugar and fat they put in to make it taste good and be GF!” while the little devil whispers, “Who cares? D-O-N-U-T!”

Putting aside nutrition for the moment, let’s break this news down a little bit. First, Bloomberg claims that Dunkin’ Donuts will win the race with fast food competitors, Starbucks and McDonalds to offer gluten-free items. Um………. didn’t Starbucks offer gluten-free baked goods and few years ago and then stop selling them? Yes, yes they did. Way to do your research Bloomberg.

Second, haven’t we all seen how “gluten-free” doesn’t always mean “free of gluten?” For example, Dominos rocked the fast food world with their offering of gluten-free pizza in 2012. Celiacs and the Dominos legal team quickly discovered that the pizza often had traces of gluten due to the shared kitchen facilities. Dominos now states their GF pizza isn’t safe for Celiacs. While it’s great news that Dunkin’ Donuts will offer GF items, we need to know more about how cross-contamination will be handed.

This new venture by Dunkin’ Donuts is a great way to increase visibility for gluten issues. As a community, we need to push them for transparency in their practices and high standards in ensuring a gluten-free preparation line.

Who wins in your internal debate? Angel telling you to steer clear of sweet treats or that little devil driving you to temptation?

xoxo,

Gluten Free Vermont