It’s Time To Make The Gluten-Free Donuts, Says Dunkin’

If you had been asked to predict which national fast-food chain would be the first to offer gluten-free products, you probably wouldn’t have picked Dunkin’ Donuts, whose very name seems like it should be covered in wheat flour, but the company says it will be selling both gluten-free donuts and muffins in all its U.S. stores.

“We recognize the importance of providing our guests with many options, including alternative choices for people with food and dietary restrictions,” writes DD Executive Chef and Vice President of Product Innovation Stan Frankenthaler in an e-mail to Bloomberg.

Dunkin’ has been testing the gluten-free products at some Massachusetts stores and is now selling them at outlets in Hartford, CT.

In order to keep the gluten-free products from the standard items, Dunkin’ will package them separately. Those with serious gluten sensitivities will probably want to ask questions of their local eatery about handling and training before they chow down.

Gluten-free foods have long been desired by people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder whose standard treatment involves a gluten-free diet. However, a growing number of people have begun avoiding the protein for a variety of other reasons. It’s estimated that gluten-free foods are now a $20 billion a year business in the U.S. alone.

But if you’re thinking the gluten-free products are going to have fewer calories, you might be mistaken. Bloomberg points out that the gluten-free donut has 60 more calories than its standard counterpart.

Gluten-free donuts will go for around $1.89 each, while the no-gluten muffins will run you around $2.39.

Domino’s Pizza began offering gluten-free pizza crust last year, targeted mostly at people with mild gluten sensitivity or people who are just trying to avoid the protein but don’t have celiac.

Speaking of “time to make the donuts,” a rep for the company tells the AP that it won’t be bringing back that classic slogan that was the company’s mantra for 15 years, anytime soon.

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