French Meadow Bakery(TM) Harvests Great Taste and Wellness This Fall: Gluten Free!

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Individuals with gluten intolerance need not feel left out during the season of feasting this fall!

French Meadow Bakery, twice named among the top 10 Best Bread Bakeries in the U.S. by Bon Appetite magazine, has launched three outstanding new products for those following a gluten-free diet. The bounty of delicious new items includes French Meadow Bakery Gluten-Free Multi-Grain Bread, Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread, and Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread.

Leading off the new product lineup is French Meadow Bakery's Gluten-Free Multi-Grain bread. It's prepared with a gluten-free whole-grain blend of amaranth, quinoa, millet, sorghum, and teff, and sweetened with a touch of organic honey. This exciting new product carries the coveted "whole-grain" stamp, which is found only on a limited amount of products in the gluten-free marketplace. Because most of today's gluten-free breads contain refined starches and flours and are low in dietary fiber, iron and B vitamins, this bread will be a welcome addition. In addition to the multiple whole grains, the Multi-Grain bread provides four grams of protein and an impressive three grams of fiber per slice.

A gluten-free, multi-grain bread is great news for those individuals with gluten intolerance," said Shelley Case, R.D., a leading international nutrition expert on celiac disease and author of Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide.

"The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults consume 3 or more servings of whole grains each day to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other health concerns. But this presents a challenge for those with celiac disease, because of their inability to tolerate the most common grains -- wheat, rye, and barley. As dietitians, our goal is help our clients overcome this challenge and meet the daily whole-grain criteria in creative ways with delicious product alternatives."

According to the Whole Grains Council, one serving of whole grains is 16 grams. French Meadow Bakery's Gluten-Free Multi-Grain Bread bears the familiar black-and-gold Whole Grain Stamp, showing that each slice provides 8 grams of whole grains, which constitutes half a serving of whole grains. A sandwich made from this bread will help you consume a full serving of your daily requirements of whole grains.

French Meadow Bakery's other two exciting new products include Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread, a soft, all-natural product, and Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raison Bread, which is filled with plump organic raisins and spiced with a perfect amount of cinnamon.

"This time of year can be especially challenging for those with Celiac Disease," said Case, "The crisp autumn days of fall usher in seasons of festive gatherings focused on food, so it's important to provide tasteful alternatives for those following a gluten-free diet."

"As we look forward to seasons when so much attention is placed on the joy of eating and celebrating quality time around the dining table, we're pleased to offer tasty solutions for those who follow a gluten-free diet," said Elizabeth Naffziger, marketing manager, French Meadow Bakery.

French Meadow Bakery understands the seriousness of food allergies and intolerances. The bakery's gluten-free products are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility and carry the seal of the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO.org), certifying that they are free of gluten. French Meadow's gluten-free line up is also free from lactose, casein, peanut, tree nuts, and preservatives, and an independent laboratory periodically tests and verifies the company's allergen claims. The extensive gluten-free portfolio includes breads, pizza crust, tortillas, rolls, brownies, cookies, muffins, cakes, and cupcakes.

"People who have to adhere to a gluten-free diet must be able to identify products they can trust," said Case. "Certified products can take the guesswork and worry out of buying gluten-free foods."

Although the safety and quality of gluten-free products is of paramount importance, taste is also a key factor that sets apart many gluten-free offerings. "French Meadow Bakery has made flavorless gluten-free foods a thing of the past," said Naffziger. "Taste is one of our key priorities. We're thrilled that our extensive lineup offers a bounty of flavorful products that continue to be delicious hits!"

French Meadow Bakery partners with numerous organizations to spotlight celiac disease awareness. More information about the disease and the organizations that provides education and support can be found at www.gluten.net, www.celiac.org, and www.csaceliacs.org. French Meadow Bakery has entered into a brand new relationship with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, and participated at their successful event, "A Gluten-Free Cooking Spree," hosted in San Francisco. For more information on the organization and event, visit www.celiaccentral.org.

About Shelley Case:
A leading international nutrition expert on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, Case is a member of the Medical Advisory Boards of the Celiac Disease Foundation and Gluten Intolerance Group in the US, as well as the Professional Advisory Board of the Canadian Celiac Association. She is the author of Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, and has been a contributing writer in many leading publications, including Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Sciences and Pediatrics. Case has been interviewed by NBC Today and CBC Newsworld, and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal for her major contributions to the celiac community in the United States and Canada.

About French Meadow Bakery:
In continuous operation since 1985, French Meadow Bakery(TM) is the longest running certified-organic bakery in the U.S. It is an internationally recognized leader in naturally delicious and nutritious bakery products and desserts that are certified-organic, gluten-free, vegan, yeast-free, and kosher. Its trend-setting products are available nationally at mainstream grocers and independent natural food stores. The company, which has a global business alliance with Rich Products Corporation, operates from offices in Minnesota. It maintains a commitment to sustainability and the environment through community involvement, alliances with small farmers, and healthy eating innovations. For more information, visit www.frenchmeadow.com.