Why are gluten-free foods so expensive?

by Q
(Arizona)

Our family has just converted to a gluten-free lifestyle... and it was shocking to shop from the gluten-free section of my grocery store!

We live in Arizona, and the major establishments for organic, holistic, and local foods are WholeFoods, Sprouts, and Sunflower. By far WholeFoods is the most expensive of the three. However, I do find myself shopping there because they offer unique and upscale variety.

But my frustration is with prepackaged gluten-free stuff. Sometimes I think they stick you just because they can. And it's funny because there are so many options, as I continue to learn; that are delicious and gluten-free. I made gluten-free stuffed peppers with quinoa last night and it was amazing... And I have to give Heather Demeritte credit for that one. I found her recipe in an article in Living Without magazine and got her cookbook, Heather Demeritte's Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free for the Frugal and Lazy Cook.

I like her stuff on www.glutenfreeandfrugal.com and I also found help on wisegeek.com on gluten free options. That site is huge!!!

I guess if I looked for the good in all of this, going gluten-free has forced me to make better, more natural, food choices. And I cook more too - because eating out is a real drag.. : (

If we all (in the gluten-free community) get together and force more retailers to carry reasonably priced gluten-free items, maybe we can see more normal food choices get cheaper.

Hmm what will I make tomorrow...? I'll have to see what Chef Rob's got going in his everyday cookbook.