Gluten, a protein found in many grains, can be difficult for some people to digest. Gluten can inflict severe harm on people who suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Due to heightened awareness of the number of people who have problems digesting this protein, many companies have begun to offer gluten-free foods. According to General Mills, at least one in 133 people suffer from celiac disease, while 12 percent of the population avoid gluten due to sensitivity to the protein.
Breakfast
Since 2008, General Mills has taken steps to offer an increasing number of gluten-free products to people who can't eat gluten. Before General Mills began to offer gluten-free products, many people were unable to eat the cereals and cakes the company made. General Mills now offers more than 250 gluten-free products. For people who are sensitive to gluten, eating cereal is not an option. But General Mills offers five Chex cereals as a gluten-free breakfast option. For people who don't have time to sit at the table for breakfast, Nature Valley almond crunch and peanut crunch bars are gluten free.
Betty Crocker
As part of its attempt to better serve customers who can't eat gluten, General Mills launched a line of Betty Crocker gluten-free dessert mixes. The baking giant now offers several gluten-free brownie, cookie and cake mixes. Betty Crocker also offers dozens of fruit snacks, almost two dozen types of frosting, potato buds, as well as Asian Helper and Hamburger Helper, which are all gluten free.
Other Products
Another General Mills company, Larabar, offers dozens of bars, such as apple pie, ginger snap, chocolate chip cookie dough, cinnamon roll and chocolate cherry. General Mills companies Green Giant, Progresso and Yoplait also offer a variety of gluten-free products. Green Giant offers several types of frozen vegetables, such as corn, green beans and broccoli. Progresso also has two dozen soups and broths, and Yoplait offers well more than 100 yogurt products.
