MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Many Americans follow a gluten free diet in their daily lives, and Chex® cereal—which offers five tasty gluten free varieties—is making it easier than ever to avoid gluten. In fact, according to one dietary report, 25 percent of consumers expressed interest in gluten free foods—and that number continues to grow.1 That interest is proving true at the grocery check out as well: Retail sales for gluten free products nearly tripled from 2004 to 2009 reaching almost $1.7 billion. Further, that number is estimated to top $2.6 billion in sales by the year 2012.2
“Families are looking for wholesome, nutritious solutions that are gluten free and convenient but still taste great,” said Keri Glassman, registered dietitian and author. “Gluten free foods can fit into a busy lifestyle, without making mealtime sacrifices. Chex cereal is one of my top picks, and I recommend it as a good breakfast choice to many of my clients with gluten restrictions.”
Five crunchy Chex cereals with all-family appeal are gluten free: Honey Nut Chex, Chocolate Chex, Cinnamon Chex, Rice Chex and Corn Chex. Two Chex cereals—Wheat Chex and Multi-Bran Chex—are NOT gluten free.
From breakfast staple to midday snack or used in a gluten free recipe, Chex is a versatile pick for families on the go. Glassman and Chex offer healthy tips for anyone following a gluten free diet:
- Start the Day Right—Eating breakfast lays a good foundation for the day. A nutritious breakfast should contain whole grain, low-fat dairy, lean protein such as egg whites or peanut butter and a serving of fruit. Chex cereals offer at least 8 grams of whole grain in every serving and pair perfectly with fruit such as bananas and blueberries, not to mention milk.
- Stock Up—Keep the kitchen stocked with delicious options that are naturally gluten free, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and most yogurts.
- Simple Snacking—Nutrient-rich snacks can be part of a complete and healthy diet while helping to keep cravings at bay. Keep single servings of raw or dry-roasted nuts and crunchy cereal, such as Chex gluten free cereals, in your bag for an on-the-go option.
- Keep a Food Journal—Glassman recommends keeping a food journal to track meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure you’re meeting your daily nutritional needs, including recommended servings of grains, fruits, vegetables and protein. Jot down what works well and what doesn’t so you have a point of reference.
- Recipe Round-Up—Mix up your mealtime by testing delicious gluten free recipes the whole family will appreciate. An array of gluten free recipes are available at www.Chex.com/glutenfree and www.LiveGlutenFreely.com.
“We are thrilled to offer a wide variety of gluten free family-favorite cereals,” said Liz Mascolo, marketing manager, Chex cereals. “For more than 50 years, Chex has been known and trusted for its great taste and wholesome crunch—and now, we’re also a familiar gluten free choice.”
The five gluten free Chex cereals are available for an approximate retail price of $2.99 to $3.29. To verify that the cereal is gluten free, consumers are strongly encouraged to look for “Gluten Free” on Chex cereal packaging. The words “Gluten Free” will appear near the ingredient declaration on the package side panel and on the front panel. It’s also important to note that Wheat Chex and Multi-Bran Chex are not gluten free cereals.
About General Mills
One of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US $16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.
1 Source: NPD Group Dieting Monitor, May 2010.
2 Source: Packaged Facts. The Gluten-Free Food and Beverage Market: Trends and Developments Worldwide, 2nd Edition April 2009.
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