What do Chelsea Clinton, Actors Ryan Phillippe and Billy Bob Thornton, Singers Victoria Beckham and Jessica Simpson, and NFL alum Drew Brees have in common? All reportedly share an allergy or intolerance to gluten that, for many, is caused specific health condition known as Celiac Disease. Far more than just a mild reactiveness to the gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye), this autoimmune malady presents as a severe sensitivity and intolerance that can lead to intestinal damage often causing gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, and can lead to serious complications.
As such, those with Celiac Disease experience life-altering impacts via a highly modified and carefully managed diet. For example, those who have Celiac Disease not only have to cut out everyday foods such as breads, pastas, cereal, and cakes, but also several condiments, sauces, and other foods that secretly contain gluten.
To help drive education, advocacy and mindfulness around the condition, May has been deemed Celiac Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to stock up on some of the best gluten-free foods available. However this year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, finding these specialized foods may prove challenging. In an already trying situation sourcing grocery provisions, it is even more stressful for those seeking to find foods that are not only gluten free, but also taste good.
This means that those who suffer from the condition and its inherent limitations are forced to cut out yet more of their favorite foods, and find or make gluten-free alternatives. Not only do these gluten-free substitutes typically lack in taste, but they are often made with unnecessary ingredients, preservatives and additives. All combined, shopping among those with Celiac Disease is frequently difficult and stressful.
So, it’s wonderful that Celiac Awareness Month in May raises awareness and creates much energy and attention during that period, but Celiac sufferers need meals that are both healthy and delicious every single day, all year through. Helping bridge that gap is Chef Michael Tierney, who’s proven through his healthy, celiac-friendly brand that gluten-free options do not have to be boring and tasteless. Mikey’s gluten-free foods—with an exciting line-up includes Breakfast Pockets, Pizza Pockets, English Muffins and Tortillas—eliminate the need for consumers to choose between taste and nutrition. Unlike other prepared frozen foods, Mikey’s meals have high-quality ingredients that are flavor-forward. Beyond being fully gluten-free, Mikey’s meals are also dairy-free and soy-free.
Another reason those with a gluten sensitivity love Mikey’s is that the meals can be purchased online. Of course this is more convenient for the shopper, but is also helpful to avoid trips to the supermarket under the current circumstances. So, gluten-free eaters can still enjoy a pizza or buy tasty, kid-friendly foods even during this difficult time.
Author: Merilee Kern
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
