Are you new to the gluten-free lifestyle or just curious about what it's all about? You're not alone. The gluten-free diet trend entered the Indian market around the 2000s, yet a vast majority of the public remains unaware of it. Following a gluten-free diet is gradually becoming a fad in India. However, it is not a bad lifestyle to adopt. But there are various myths about gluten-free products in India that are making their way into the food market. The real problem lies there, believing the myths associated with gluten-free can be quite dangerous. It can lead to unintended health risks and poor dietary decisions.

Moreover, whether gluten-free in India is really gluten-free is yet another challenge. However, not to worry; if you want to try hand-picked, delicious gluten-free essentials, you can check out Dowbox for all your needs. Firstly, let’s clarify some common gluten-free misconceptions. 

This blog aims to debunk common gluten-free diet myths, from "it's always healthier" to "you can never eat bread again!"

The Indian Market’s Growing Gluten-free Segment

The gluten-free segment is skyrocketing worldwide, and India is no exception. A major driver for the gluten-free products market in India is mushrooming awareness related to celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and other allergies.

According to Tech4Serve, India’s gluten-free market was valued at USD 270.3 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 660.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.6%.

The gluten-free market is segmented into product type, distribution channel, and region. The Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, are significantly focusing on a healthy lifestyle, thus raising awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease.

A few key drivers are fuelling this expansion, such as:

·       Increased health awareness and actively choosing a gluten-free diet.

·       Increasing incidence of gluten intolerance & celiac disease in India.

·       Busy urban lifestyles demand easy, healthy, ready-to-eat gluten-free meals.

·       Government initiatives, such as the International Year of Millets 2023, encourage naturally gluten-free grains like ragi, bajra, and jowar.

·       Gen Z and Millennials are largely adopting gluten-free products, influenced by social media, health trends, and the growing popularity of superfoods.

The rise of clean eating is robustly entering across urban and semi-urban populations. Consequently, this transformation is rapidly increasing the opportunity for gluten-free products in Indian markets. Dowbox is one such brand that delivers 100% safe and gluten-free essentials.

How Misinformation Puts Celiac Patients at Risk

Often, the general public shrugs off the seriousness of celiac disease, considering it only a mild digestive problem. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder where a tiny amount of gluten intake can trigger intestinal damage. Moreover, various social media platforms provide vast and comprehensive information related to celiac disease and serve as a valuable medium for patients. But, hold on, there is danger in the predominance of non-medical, unregulated content.

Risks of misinformation for celiac patients can expose them to missed early intervention, delayed diagnosis, false positive results, and ineffective treatment.

Tips to avoid misinformation:

·       Regular healthcare professional consultation.

·       Seek information from credible sources (medical institutions, government health agencies, and patient advocacy groups).

·       Avoid unregulated platforms (social media).

·       Do not self-diagnose based on information found online.

According to the ICMR, the small intestine is the primary target organ, but other organs can also be affected, including the skin, reproductive system, brain, and bones.

Among the prevailing myths associated with gluten-free products in India, it is essential to clear up the confusion. Additionally, gluten-free food availability and labelling are major challenges in India, with high cross-contamination risks from shared grinding practices, and a lack of comprehensive labelling impacting compliance. What is the solution?

This is where Dowbox can be a part of your most trusted, safe, and "affordable" gluten-free subscription boxes. Dowbox’s mission is to simplify your journey to better health by delivering high-quality gluten-free essentials right to your doorstep, prioritizing 100% safe products, and guaranteeing zero contamination. 

At Dowbox, we believe health deserves no compromises. Because every product in Dowbox is FSSAI certified, lab tested, and produced in a 100% gluten-free environment.

Firstly, let us get to the meat of this blog…getting familiar with the gluten-free diet myths and facts about it.

Gluten-Free Diet Myths Gripping Indian Food Market

Myth 1: Gluten-Free Is Automatically Healthy

Truth: Not all gluten-free products are nutritious; some are highly processed

There is widespread perception among people that all gluten-free products are healthy; trust me, this is inaccurate and potentially misleading. However, many nutritionists are of the opinion that a completely gluten-free diet is not necessarily healthy.

As a consumer, you need to distinguish between naturally gluten-free foods and manufactured gluten-free processed foods. Often, gluten-free products available in the market are loaded with chemical additives and high in starch (such as corn, potato, and tapioca), as well as sugars. As a result, gluten-free diets require careful planning.

Gluten does not provide any nutritional benefit, yet there are a few products that contain gluten, which is an important source of nutrients. Hence, if you are not gluten-intolerant, you need not eliminate it from your diet.

The primary vision at Dowbox is to ensure balanced nutrition in its gluten-free products. The team at Dowbox offers a curated selection of staples, snacks, mixes, and masalas that are lab-tested, FSSAI-certified, and manufactured in a safe 100% gluten-free environment. We use naturally gluten-free grains and minimize additives, thus focusing on authentic nutrition, with products handmade by licensed makers who prioritize fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for balanced health.

 

Myth 2: All Gluten-Free Labels Mean 100% Safe

Truth: Cross-contamination risk is high in India without dedicated facilities

When you talk in terms of the Indian market, it is an alarming myth that all gluten-free labels mean 100% safe due to the high risk of cross-contamination. This poses significant risks for celiac patients and gluten-intolerant individuals. Ideally, FSSAI mandates that products labelled gluten-free must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Despite this regulation, enforcement of the law remains inconsistent. 

Dowbox addresses this challenge by offering a subscription box service that exclusively provides 100% certified gluten-free products - not just in label, but in its very heart and soul. 

In addition, it completely eliminates cross-contact risk. We believe clean labeling and strict certification mean customers receive genuinely nutritious, safe foods for sustainable gluten-free living, without sacrificing taste or variety. This is what sets Dowbox apart from other brands gushing in the market.

 

Myth 3: Only People with Celiac Need Gluten-Free Products

Truth: Gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy also benefit from gluten-free diets

According to the Colombian Celiac Foundation (Fundación Colombiana de Celíacos), the number of people who have celiac disease but are undiagnosed is ten times higher than the number of people who are diagnosed.

Common perception among the masses is that only people with celiac disease need a gluten-free lifestyle, which is extremely misleading. A person with celiac disease requires strict lifelong gluten elimination; however, it is not only a single condition demanding a gluten-free life. Gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy are also conditions that require a proper diet regimen. Moreover, the symptoms of these two overlap with celiac disease.

Medical experts emphasize the importance of prompt and early testing. Diagnosing celiac disease involves testing for anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA), often followed by a small intestinal biopsy to confirm the degree of damage. In contrast, to confirm gluten sensitivity, a diagnosis is to be conducted to rule out celiac disease. Wheat allergy testing involves a skin prick test or blood tests for wheat-protein-specific antibodies.

 

Myth 4: Rice and Besan Are Always Gluten-Free

Truth: Processing & milling can introduce contamination

Yet another common gluten-free diet myth in the Indian context is that rice and besan (gram flour) are commonly assumed to be naturally gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten. However, a report from the FSSAI reveals that these grains are often contaminated with gluten due to shared processing and milling facilities.

A survey by the National Institute of Nutrition found that 44% of rice samples and all gram flour samples collected from local markets and mills contained gluten above the safe limit of 20 parts per million (ppm) set by FSSAI. 

To tackle this challenge, Dowbox employs rigorous ingredient sourcing and quality control measures. All raw ingredients, such as rice and besan, are collected from suppliers that adhere to strict gluten-free protocols. Dowbox’s products undergo comprehensive lab testing at every stage, and the final product ensures gluten levels remain nil every time.

Simplify your journey to better health with a Dowbox subscription, featuring customization and product swap options.

 

Myth 5: Gluten-Free Products Are Hard to Find in India

Truth: With subscription services like Dowbox, access is easier than ever

While the truth about gluten-free products in India is still in a dicey state, another myth that lingers is the belief that gluten-free products are hard to find in India. However, this belief is outdated in today’s scenario. Thanks to dedicated subscription services like Dowbox, access to safe and authentic gluten-free essentials is easier than ever. Dowbox delivers curated boxes of FSSAI-certified, lab-tested, and contamination-free products anywhere in India.

Online ordering offers convenience and flexibility, allowing customers to choose their products, customize subscription plans, and manage deliveries with ease. With pan-India shipping, a wide range of regions are accessible to high-quality gluten-free options, eliminating stressful searches.

For more information, explore Dowbox products or subscribe to our regular automatic delivery service. Yearly subscribers save 20%, quarterly subscribers save 15%, and monthly on-the-go subscribers save 10%.

 

Myth 6: Gluten-Free Diet Is a Weight Loss Diet

Truth: Weight loss is not guaranteed; focus is on health & safety for gluten-intolerant people

‘Is gluten-free healthy for everyone?’ leads to yet another misleading information that a gluten-free diet is inherently a weight loss diet. The primary purpose of a gluten-free diet is to protect the health and safety of gluten-intolerant individuals, those with celiac disease, and wheat allergy. Moreover, unknowingly, people opt for processed gluten-free alternatives, which leads to weight gain.

Some studies report that gluten-free does not imply fat-free or calorie-free, and some gluten-free products contain more calories and sugar than corresponding gluten-containing foods. It is always safer to include naturally gluten-free foods, which will help with weight loss, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation in the body.

 

Myth 7: Gluten-Free Food Is Tasteless

Truth: Modern recipes & Dowbox product innovation deliver taste & texture

It is a common understanding that gluten-free foods are tasteless. This is one of the most believed gluten-free misconceptions, especially among younger generations. However, today’s products are breaking new ground in both flavour and texture. Advanced sourdough fermentation, blended flours, and hydrocolloid-based dough technology have enabled the creation of breads, snacks, and mixes. For instance, Dowbox has emerged with innovations in gluten-free foods.

For celiac-safe products in India, Dowbox offers a wide array of products handmade by expert, licensed makers who combine traditional grains, spices, and modern techniques to deliver gluten-free essentials with authentic taste and appealing texture.

Conclusion: The Truth Behind the Label

The demand for safe gluten-free products in India is gaining importance with the rising awareness. With numerous brands in the Indian market, Dowbox sets itself apart as a trusted solution for Indian families needing guaranteed protection. Its USP lies in its unwavering commitment to 100% safety and zero contamination.

Praised by both celiac and gluten-intolerant communities, Dowbox has become a lifeline for those who need reliability and reassurance with every meal. Dowbox empowers gluten-free lifestyles across India, transforming what was once a daily challenge into a safe, convenient, and nourishing experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Is gluten-free better for everyone?

Not really. Gluten-free foods are important for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy. But if you don’t have these conditions, avoiding gluten won’t give you extra health benefits. In fact, it can sometimes reduce the nutrients you get from your diet.

2. How can I tell if a gluten-free product is safe in India?

Check for “gluten-free” label on the packaging as per FSSAI regulations. However, you can totally count on Dowbox for safe and 100% gluten-free products in India that strictly follow gluten-free safety standards.

3. What is the most common myth about gluten-free diets?

Here are a few of the most common myths about gluten-free diets for celiac disease and gluten-intolerant individuals:

·       - Gluten-free is automatically healthy

·      -  All gluten-free labels mean 100% safe

·      -  Gluten-free food is tasteless

·      -  Gluten-free diet is a weight loss diet

4. Can gluten-free diets be harmful if not needed?

Yes, suppose you are not gluten sensitive or living with celiac, and you cut all gluten out of your diet. In that case, there's a risk that you will cut nutritious whole grains, fibre, and micronutrients and develop deficiencies.

 

References:

- Reading Food Labels, Celiac India.

- Revised Guidance Note No. 09/2018, Gluten Free Foods, FSSAI, Government of India.

- Levinovitz. Alan., The Gluten Lie And Other Myths About What You Eat, Simon and Schuster, 21 Apr 2015.

- Sabença, C., Ribeiro, M., de Sousa, T., Poeta, P., Bagulho, A. S., & Igrejas, G. (2021). Wheat/gluten-related disorders and gluten-free diet misconceptions: A review. Foods, 10(8), 1765.

- Riomalo, M. (n.d.). Have you gone gluten-free? Learn here about myths and facts. Bienestar Sanitas Magazine, (129).

- Myths about Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity and the Gluten-Free Diet, Beyond Celiac.

- Nash, D. T., & Slutzky, A. R. (2014). Gluten sensitivity: New epidemic or new myth? Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 27(4), 377–378.