That's a wrap, 2024! 👋🎉
It’s that time of year where people reflect on what’s been and gone and start thinking and planning for the year ahead! For those of us in the gluten free community, 2024 has been a year of innovative product launches to significant strides in awareness and inclusivity across both Australia and New Zealand! Let’s take a look at some of the highlights:
Groundbreaking Gluten-Free Product Launches
2024 saw an explosion of creativity in the gluten-free food industry. Local brands in Australia and New Zealand stepped up to deliver delicious, high-quality products that cater to the diverse needs of those living gluten-free. Here are a few standouts:
Artisan Breads: Several bakeries launched gluten-free sourdough loaves that rival their gluten-containing counterparts. Notably, an Australian brand won an international award for its innovative use of local flours, such as lupin and cassava.
Convenience Meals: Ready-made gluten-free meals became more accessible, with supermarkets expanding their ranges to include comforting classics like lasagna.
Sweet Treats: The dessert scene welcomed new gluten-free indulgences, from lamingtons to decadent chocolate cakes. Many of these products were crafted with coeliacs in mind, ensuring cross-contamination precautions were in place.
Advancements in Labelling Laws
This year marked significant progress in food labelling regulations, making it easier and safer for those with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance to shop with confidence. In Australia, updates to the Food Standards Code introduced stricter requirements for gluten-related claims:
Clearer Definitions: Manufacturers must meet rigorous testing to label products as “gluten-free,” reducing the risk of hidden gluten.
Improved Allergen Disclosure: Labels are now required to use consistent language for allergens, eliminating confusion for consumers.
New Zealand followed suit with similar reforms, and both countries have seen increased enforcement, holding brands accountable for accurate labelling. This has been a game-changer for those navigating a gluten-free lifestyle.
Rising Awareness and Inclusivity
The gluten-free community has gained significant visibility in 2024, thanks to advocacy campaigns and increased media attention. Here are some key moments:
Coeliac Awareness Week: This year’s campaign in both Australia and New Zealand focused on educating workplaces about gluten-free needs. Many companies adopted gluten-free options in their cafeterias and catered events, making professional environments more inclusive.
Celebrity Advocacy: High-profile figures publicly shared their coeliac journeys, helping to destigmatize the condition and emphasize the importance of diagnosis and dietary adherence.
Dining Out Improvements: More restaurants and cafés have embraced gluten-free menus, often consulting with coeliac organisations to ensure their offerings are safe. Gluten-free diners now have a wider array of reliable options when eating out.
Community Growth and Support
The gluten-free community has flourished online and offline this year. Social media groups, blogs, and forums continue to be hubs for sharing advice, recipes, and encouragement. Local events, such as gluten-free food expos and cooking workshops connected individuals and gave a sense of belonging.
This year also saw the expansion of gluten-free resources, including apps (such as Coeliapp 😍) that make it easier to find safe products, restaurants, and recipes. These tools have been invaluable for navigating the gluten-free lifestyle with greater ease.
Advancing Treatments for Coeliac Disease
Global research into coeliac disease is exploring alternatives to the strict gluten-free diet. Enzyme therapies like latiglutenase aim to break down gluten proteins, while zonulin inhibitors such as larazotide acetate prevent gluten from crossing the intestinal barrier. TG2 inhibitors, including ZED1227, are designed to block harmful immune responses, and immune-modulating drugs like ordesekimab target inflammatory pathways. In Australia, researchers are testing IMU-856, a drug promoting gut renewal without suppressing immunity. These innovations are in various clinical trial stages, offering hope for more effective management of coeliac disease.
🎉 Looking Ahead to 2025 🎉
As we celebrate the strides made in 2024, we look forward to continued progress in the coming year. There is still work to be done in raising awareness, improving access to gluten-free options, and supporting those newly diagnosed with coeliac disease. With a growing community and increasing advocacy, the future is bright for gluten-free living in Australia and New Zealand. Let’s carry the momentum of 2024 into the new year, striving for a world where gluten-free is not just a necessity but a celebrated way of life.
What were your highlights of 2024? Share your experiences and reflections by dropping us an email (contact@coeliapp.app)—we’d love to hear from you!
See you in 2025,
Coeliapp ✨
