Macphie, the UK’s independent food ingredients manufacturer, has launched a gluten-free cake and muffin mix to cater for the growing number of coeliacs, as well as health-conscious consumers who are avoiding wheat as part of a wider lifestyle choice.
In addition to being gluten-free, the mix is free from artificial colours, preservatives, flavours and contains no hydrogenated fat.
It is a versatile, convenient, and easy to use product available in 12.5kg bags.
The product hopes to appeal to bakers, cafes and coffee shops looking to expand their helps range of gluten-free cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and whoopie pies without compromising on taste, appearance or quality.
The UK gluten-free market grew by more than 20% in 2009 (Mintel 2010) and is set to become the most valuable in Europe (Datamonitor).
It is also estimated that the global market for gluten-free products has grown by an annual average of 29% over the past five years and will be worth $2.6bn by 2012.
Macphie marketing manager, Jania Boyd, said: “Following a gluten-free diet can be particularly restricting as so many of the foods we love contain gluten.
“That is why we created our new Gluten-free Cake and Muffin Mix to bring back the joy of cakes to those following a gluten-free diet.
“It’s a real break through and means coeliacs and health-conscious consumers can enjoy a range of delicious treats to rival wheat alternatives.”
A spokesperson for Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease and DH commented: “We are delighted that the UK food industry is responding to the needs of the 1 in 100 people in the UK who have coeliac disease, an auto-immune condition caused by intolerance to gluten and we are always pleased to see new products being launched enabling those who have to have a gluten-free diet for life, a wider choice of products to enjoy.”
