Gluten-Free Baked Gifts on the Rise as Sweet Alternatives for Valentine's Day, says Truly Wize Baker

Jan. 26, 2011 - PRLog -- The gluten-free baked-good trend, now widespread due to online availability, makes it possible for millions with food allergies and gluten sensitivity to indulge in sweet gifts on Valentine’s Day, according to pastry chef and founder of Truly Wize Bakery (http://www.TrulyWize.com), Caren Weaver.

“Gluten-free baked gifts offer a healthier alternative to those whose dietary needs restrict them from indulging in conventional fare,” said Weaver, a former New York chef trained at the Culinary Institute of America. “Cupcakes and other desserts should offer equal pleasure for loved ones with and without special dietary needs, especially on Valentine’s Day, when as a culture we express our love through sweet gifts.”

The Truly Wize Bakery gluten-free product line is the result of Weaver’s own crusade to create healthier desserts for her children, which included years of research into sustainable agriculture and its direct impact on our health and the environment. She has since watched her Truly Wize Bakery gluten-free brownies on the Rachael Ray Show and her cookies chosen for the 2007 Oscar Awards, along with her products now distributed by major U.S. retailers, including Dean & Deluca, Whole Foods Market, Raisin Rack and dozens of other gourmet markets nationwide.

“It’s amazing how they don’t taste different,” said Mark Bremer, an associate team leader at Whole Foods Market in East Liberty, Penn.

Online since 2009, Truly Wize Bakery has catered internationally to consumers impacted by food allergies and gluten intolerance, also known as Celiac Disease. A majority of the Truly Wize Bakery gluten-free cakes, breads, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and gobs are also casein-free and allergy friendly. Weaver entered the baking business a decade ago and introduced gluten-free products in 2008 when her friend was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. The baker hand-selects every ingredient used in her Pennsylvania kitchen.

Food allergies affect over 11 million Americans, that is 1 in 25. Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that inhibits the processing of the protein (gluten) found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats, affects 1 out of every 33 people in the United States alone. For those with Celiac Disease, the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged and the absorption of nutrients does not occur.

According to market research firm Packaged Facts, the gluten-free market grew 28 percent from 2004 to 2008 and forecast double-digit growth with sales by 2012 expected to total $2.6 billion.


CONTACT:
Caren Weaver
Phone: (724) 787-4921
E-mail: Caren@TrulyWize.com
Website: http://www.TrulyWize.com

Truly Wize Bakery
Paul Good Road
Greensburg, PA 15601

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Truly Wize Bakery is your premier gluten-free bakery, creating exquisite eco-friendly gifts for all occasions. We are your solution to your gift giving needs. Our gifts are personal, indulgent and fun to share... although we're not sure you will want to!