Study: Packaged Gluten-Free Foods Filled With Sugar, Fat and Salt

From grocery stores and supermarkets to fast food chains and fine-dining restaurants, gluten-free foods are popping up everywhere. Derived from the Latin language meaning "glue," gluten is a grain-based protein that's commonly found in rye, wheat, barley and oats. It's used in baked foods containing the aforementioned grains to hold the ingredients together. However, not everyone is capable of digesting gluten, which is why many people follow a gluten-free diet.

The problem with many of these gluten-free foods, however, is that they often contain high concentrations of sugar, fat and salt. A study conducted by researchers from the United Kingdom, for instance, found that packaged gluten-free foods lack the nutritional value of their gluten-based counterparts.

For the study, researchers analyzed data involving more than 700 gluten free foods as well as 1,000 gluten-based foods, comparing their nutritional value and cost. Some of the foods analyzed included bread, cereals and crackers. Researchers found that the gluten-free variants usually contains less fiber and protein -- two key ingredients needed for weight loss -- than their gluten-based counterparts. Furthermore, gluten-free foods were 159% more expensive than their gluten-based counterparts.

The problem with gluten-free foods is that many people assume they are healthier than gluten-based foods. As revealed in this study, however, this isn't always the case. Granted, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid gluten in their diet. If you don't suffer from either of these conditions, however, opting for gluten-free foods could have a negative impact on your health. As explained by the study's authors, only individuals with medically diagnosed conditions will benefit from gluten-free foods.

"Gluten-free food is unlikely to offer healthier alternatives to regular food, expect for those who require a gluten-free diet for medically diagnosed conditions," wrote the study's authors.

It's important to note that gluten is found in a variety of foods. While most people are aware of its presence on breads, you might be surprised to learn some of the other foods that contain this substance. Condiments like ketchup and gravy, for instance, often contain gluten. Even salad dressings contain this grain-based protein.

So, what should you take away from this study? Unless you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, there's really no need to eliminate gluten from your diet. Gluten-free foods, while touted as a healthier alternative, often contain fewer beneficial nutrients and more not-so-good ingredients like sugar, fat and sodium.