Gluten-free has never before been quite so fabulous! With awareness of gluten sensitivities on the rise, gluten-free foods are in higher demand than ever before. We at GlutenFreeFox are big fans of any trend that helps spread the word and get people properly diagnosed.

Here are just a few of our favorite quotes regarding the best trend of 2009–gluten-free foods:

• The Food Channel: “Expect to see the words ‘gluten free’ more frequently, along with more options for the diabetic.”

• PreparedFoods.com: “’Gluten-free is attracting an increasing number of consumers,’ says Dornblaser. Although a relatively small number of consumers have been diagnosed as gluten-sensitive, many more simply believe that such products make a difference in how they feel.”

• Houston Chronicle: “Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in rye, wheat and barley, affects only about 1 percent of the population. But gluten-free products are now considered chic, said Ann Mack, director of trend-spotting for JWT. ‘It’s perceived as healthy,’ she said. ‘You’re seeing more celebrities talking about it in the magazines.’ Stars are using gluten-free products as diet aids, she added.”

• FoodProcessing.com: “Allergies (including gluten and lactose intolerance), energy, immunity and the more general ‘feeling better’ issues are moving up to occupy a growing portion of the megatrend.”

• KnoxNews.com: “Gluten is becoming an increasingly popular villain, even though celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, affects only about 1 percent of the population. Proponents say a gluten-free diet can stimulate weight loss and help with chronic intestinal issues as well as diseases including autism and schizophrenia. While these benefits are unproven, Mintel forecasts 15-25 percent annual growth for gluten-free foods in the U.S. over the next few years.”

Just one key fact that a couple of these great writers failed to mention: gluten intolerance can be a severe condition itself, and is estimated to affect as much as 30% of the American population.