The Co-operative Food is introducing a range of nine own-brand ‘Free From’ products, and a new wholefoods range into its stores from 18 July 2011.

The new Free From range is being introduced into The Co-operative’s own-brand range to meet the “increasing demand from shoppers for gluten and wheat-free foods”.  Several of the new products are also free from dairy.

As well as featuring staple products such as fusilli pasta and bakery lines including English muffins and ciabatta rolls, and Free From Triple Chocolate Cookies.

Kate Jones, head of own-brand products for The Co-operative Food, said: “The demand for gluten and wheat-free products has risen recently, as more people choose to avoid them in their diet out of personal preference, as well as for health reasons.  We’re very pleased with our new range, as we feel that each product tastes fantastic.  The full range is suitable for people with coeliac disease, and we’re delighted to offer our shoppers a greater choice of these foods without compromising on quality or flavour.”

This year, The Co-operative’s premium range of Truly Irresistible sausages and burgers have also been reformulated to be free from gluten and wheat.

The Co-operative’s own-brand ‘Free From’ product range will be complemented by a number of established free from branded products, including lines from Doves Farm, Mrs Crimble, Alpro and Genius. 

A spokesperson for Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease and DH (Dermatitis Herpetiformis), said: “We are delighted that the UK food industry is responding to the needs of the one in 100 people in the UK who have coeliac disease, an auto-immune condition caused by intolerence 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.”

The ‘Free From’ range will be available in larger Co-operative Food stores only.

Source: Co-operative Stores