Should You Go Gluten-Free? Find Out Here!

Gluten-free diets have taken centre stage in recent years, and for good reason — for some, avoiding gluten is essential for their health and well-being but is it necessary for everyone?

Let’s Start With The Basics! Just What Is This Gluten Anyways?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It gives dough its stretch and structure — great for baking, but not so great for everyone’s gut. For some, gluten can trigger everything from digestive distress to full-blown immune reactions.

Now That We Got That Out Of The Way! Should You Avoid Gluten?
Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple Yes or No question. The good part, not everyone needs to. For some, it could be a lifestyle choice (which raises the question as to whether or not a completely gluten free diet is a good lifestyle choice and we’ll come to that later), but others may not be that lucky.

Take people with Celiac Disease for instance – a serious autoimmune condition where gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. For those diagnosed, gluten must be avoided completely. Even small amounts can cause lasting harm.

Or, there are people who have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS). They may not have celiac disease, but gluten still causes symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or brain fog. The damage may not be physical in the same way, but the discomfort is very real — and reducing gluten often leads to relief.

Then, we have people with Wheat Allergies. Now this is a bit different. It involves the immune system and often manifests as classic allergic reactions. Gluten is part of wheat, so many with this allergy also avoid gluten-containing foods.

Not to forget the ones with IBS or Autoimmune Conditions. Some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or other autoimmune issues find that gluten-free eating reduces inflammation and improves digestion. While not always medically required, going gluten-free can sometimes be a tool for managing these symptoms.

So… What Can You Eat?
The good part – going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean boring or bland. That’s where The Roasted Alternative comes in — think delicious, satisfying snacks made from naturally gluten-free ingredients like poha, jowar, nachni (ragi), chana, moong, etc. It’s our firm belief that tasty, wholesome snacking should be universal.

A few of our gluten-free munchies:

• Jowar Bites – Crunchy and light, made from sorghum, a naturally gluten-free ancient grain.
• Nachni Bites – A great source of calcium and fiber, made from ragi (finger millet).
• Methi Bites – Made with poha (flattened rice) and spiced with fenugreek for a uniquely Indian flavour.
• Green Moong Jor – Roasted green gram with a punch of protein and crunch.
• Chana Jor – Flattened, roasted black gram — packed with fibre and great for gut health.

These are not just gluten-free alternatives — they are tasty snacks in their own right. And because they’re roasted (not fried), you get the added benefit of a lighter, more nutritious snack option.

Let’s Take A Step Back For A Bit. Should Everyone Avoid Gluten?
Not necessarily. If you don’t have a diagnosed gluten-related condition, there’s actually no proven benefit to cutting it out. In fact, quite the opposite, whole grains that contain gluten can offer important nutrients, and there is no reason to cut them out altogether.
However, if you’re experimenting with gluten-free eating or simply looking to diversify your grain intake, naturally gluten-free snacks like those from The Roasted Alternative are a smart, satisfying choice.

So, What Should You Do?
If you have a medical condition, which requires you to avoid gluten, you don’t really have a choice, but what about the rest of us?
Cutting out gluten may not be the best option, but weaving it into your diet might just be the way to go. And if you do decide to expand your gourmet horizon, then, we at The Roasted Alternative, offer gluten-free options that deliver on both health and flavour. Your gut will thank you — and so will your taste buds.

Because when it comes to flavour and wellness — you shouldn’t have to choose.