44°
BRONXVILLE, N.Y. ? Gluten-free products are catching on in Bronxville, if the experience at the Village Natural Market is an indicator.
An increasing number of families are buying gluten-free products, says Rajah Kandih, manager of the Village Natural Market at 86 Pondfield Road.
"More and more kids are allergic to gluten these days," he said. "It's really hard for them at school because every food has gluten in it. Older people can deal with it better, but kids will sometimes get sick at school and have to get sent home."
While some people avoid gluten because of an allergy, others avoid it because they believe it's healthier.
Yonkers resident Julie Stewart, 21, said she avoids gluten when possible because of its bad publicity.
"I really don't know for sure if gluten is bad for you, but staying away from it can't hurt," said Stewart. "Like I don't exclusively eat gluten-free foods, but sometimes I'll get chips or cookies without it. They're usually organic and healthy anyway, so it's a win-win."
The health store has a gluten-free section for those who can't or don't want to consume the product.
"It's so much easier now than it was five or 10 years ago for people who want to avoid gluten," said Kandih. "Now we can make everything without gluten, like pasta, oatmeal and bread. It's something that if you're allergic to can really have a great impact on your life, and now people can live and eat normally and be happy."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bronxville and receive free news updates.
