Maria Lucia Bakes, creator of an award-winning range of gourmet granolas, has recently won a gold medal at the 2018 Free From Food Awards Ireland for her newly launched Ancient Grains granola. It is suitable for all coeliacs, including those newly diagnosed. This product was developed as a response to customer feedback which lamented the fact that there were very few products on the market without oats.
Newly diagnosed coeliacs are advised not to consume any type of oats at the beginning of their diet change due to a protein called avenin, which can mimic gluten. The new Ancient Grains granola contains all-natural ingredients including sultanas, quinoa, sunflower seeds, coconut, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and vanilla. Along with being gluten free, it is also wheat and dairy free. This blend of ingredients creates a deliciously light and crispy breakfast alternative for the whole family to enjoy.
Maria Betts, owner and founder of Maria Lucia Bakes says, “We are absolutely delighted to have been presented with this award last Thursday night! So many gluten free cereals contain oats which rule them out for newly diagnosed coeliacs. In response to customer requests, we developed a cereal that is oat free and high in fibre. Ancient grains such as quinoa and millet also make it an excellent source of protein. I think it is a unique product that tastes great”.
The Coeliac Society of Ireland estimates that 46,000 people in Ireland suffer from coeliac disease. Primary research carried out by Maria Lucia Bakes showed that newly diagnosed coeliacs seek innovative gluten and oat free products.
Maria Lucia Bakes’ Ancient Grains granola is available in our online shop (see quick-link above) and will soon be available in selected stores in 325g multilingual packs. It is also available in 375g bags for food service customers. 