Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, driven by greater awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. For those who must or choose to avoid gluten, finding reliable information, recipes, and products catered to a gluten-free lifestyle can be challenging. This has led to demand for gluten-free-focused media and publications. So is there a magazine devoted specifically to living gluten-free?
Quick overview – is there a gluten-free magazine?
Yes, there are several magazines available in print and digital formats that focus exclusively on gluten-free living. Some of the most popular gluten-free magazines include:
- Gluten-Free Living – one of the longest running gluten-free magazines started in 1998.
- Gluten Free & More – magazine and website with recipes, news and information.
- Living Without – magazine that covers food allergies including gluten-free diet.
- Delight Gluten-Free Magazine – founded in 2013 with recipes and lifestyle tips.
- Gluten Free Forever – based in Colorado with nationwide distribution.
In addition to these publications solely devoted to the gluten-free diet, many mainstream food and health magazines will occasionally feature special issues or sections on gluten-free eating. Major publishers have recognized the growing gluten-free market and demand for content.
History of gluten-free magazines
Gluten-free magazines emerged in response to the needs of those adopting a gluten-free diet, which was initially medically necessary for celiac disease patients. The gluten-free diet was viewed as restrictive and isolating, prompting celiac advocacy groups to begin publishing newsletters with information to help patients.
One of the first gluten-free magazines started in 1954 when the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a non-profit support and advocacy group for celiacs, began printing a quarterly newsletter. This early newsletter evolved into the still running magazine Gluten-Free Living first published in 1998 by GIG and editor-in-chief Mary Schluckebier.
Other early dedicated gluten-free magazines:
- Living Without magazine – Launched in 1993 covering food allergies including celiac disease
- Delight Gluten-Free Magazine – Founded in 2013 by celiac mother Marcy Snider
- Gluten Free & More – First published in 2004 by Triumph Dining
The market for gluten-free media has expanded from just serving the celiac community to the now broader gluten-free consumer base. Total readership is growing with more gluten-free products, recipes, and lifestyle content featured alongside informational and support resources for managing celiac disease.
Top Gluten-Free magazines
Here is more detail on some of the most prominent current gluten-free magazines:
Gluten-Free Living
- Published by: Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
- First issue: 1998
- Frequency: Bimonthly
- Print and digital subscriptions available
- Editor’s Pick awards for gluten-free products
- Recipes, articles on gluten-free lifestyle, managing celiac disease, new products, dining out
Gluten-Free Living is considered a pioneer within gluten-free magazines. As the official publication of GIG, every issue includes their support, advocacy and educational resources.
Living Without
- Published by: Cruz Bay Publishing
- First issue: 1993
- Frequency: Bimonthly
- Print and digital subscriptions
- Covers multiple food allergies including gluten-free diet
- Recipes, products, news, allergy-free lifestyle tips
With nearly 30 years of publication, Living Without has been a trusted resource for those with celiac disease and food allergies. They expanded coverage from just gluten-free to include other common allergens like dairy, corn, nuts and eggs.
Gluten Free & More
- Published by: Triumph Dining
- First issue: 2004
- Frequency: 6 times per year
- Print and digital subscriptions
- 100+ recipes per issue
- Restaurant dining guide
- Gluten-free news, products, lifestyle articles
Gluten Free & More is known for providing the most recipes among gluten-free magazines. Every issue has over 100 gluten-free kitchen tested recipes along with guides to eating out and stocking a gluten-free pantry.
Delight Gluten-Free Magazine
- Founded by: Marcy Snider
- First issue: 2013
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Print and digital subscriptions
- 80+ recipes per issue
- Lifestyle articles, expert interviews, product news
Delight Gluten-Free was created by Marcy Snider to help families adjusting to a gluten-free diet. Recipes and content cater towards busy households and parents of gluten-free kids.
Magazine format comparisons
Gluten-free magazines are available both in print and digital formats. Print issues are sold by individual copy or annual subscription. Popular digital formats offered include:
- PDF – downloadable digital copy replicating print issue
- Web magazine – responsive HTML designed for web and mobile browsers
- Apps – native apps for Apple, Android and Amazon Kindle Fire devices
Digital magazine subscriptions often include added features like print+digital bundle, access to entire back catalog of issues, and special interactive content.
Here is a comparison of popular gluten-free magazine formats:
| Magazine | Digital | |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Living | Yes | Web and PDF |
| Living Without | Yes | Web and PDF |
| Gluten Free & More | Yes | Web, PDF, Apps |
| Delight Gluten-Free | Yes | Web and PDF |
Magazine content overview
Gluten-free magazines include a wide variety of content relevant to living a gluten-free lifestyle. Major content categories include:
Recipes
Recipes are a central focus of gluten-free magazines. Finding tasty and satisfying gluten-free meals is a top priority. Recipes include breakfasts, appetizers, main courses, baked goods, desserts, and more. Some are reimagined classics while others highlight naturally gluten-free ingredients.
News and New Products
New gluten-free product launches are covered, along with news about labeling regulations, food recalls, and food allergy research. As the gluten-free food market rapidly expands, magazines keep readers up-to-date.
Living Gluten-Free
Articles provide practical tips and advice for maintaining a gluten-free diet including: guilt-free dining out at restaurants and parties, travel tips, gluten-free meal planning, school and family advice.
Health and Nutrition
Features on gut health, nutritional gaps in gluten-free diets, advice for athletes and fitness buffs, health conditions related to gluten. Some provide science-backed information on the benefits of a gluten-free diet for health.
Celiac Disease
Articles specific to managing celiac disease – symptoms, diagnosis, gluten cross-contamination, associated conditions, latest research, interviews with experts and advocates. Support and resources for celiac patients.
Reviews and Buying Guides
Reviews on new gluten-free products guiding readers on top tried and tested recommendations. Ratings for gluten-free restaurants. Lists of essential kitchen tools and pantry staples.
Are gluten-free magazines worth it?
Gluten-free magazines can benefit several audiences:
- Newly diagnosed celiacs – Magazines help transition diet and lifestyle providing support, recipes and products.
- Long-time gluten-free – Offer new recipe ideas, information on products, and ways to thrive gluten-free.
- Gluten-free families – Advice for parents making gluten-free meals appealing and fun for kids.
- Occasional gluten-free – For those occasionally avoiding gluten, magazines provide reliable recipes and news.
Potential benefits of subscribing to gluten-free magazines:
- Discover new recipes ideal for gluten-free needs
- Stay updated on new products, research, regulations, and more
- Reduce time searching for reliable gluten-free content online
- Trusted gluten-free resources in one place
- Food allergy community connections and support
- Convenient and portable for reading anywhere
Drawbacks that limit appeal:
- Niche content only relevant to gluten-free dieters
- Print copies can get expensive
- Digital content may overlap with free online sources
- Advertising and featured products aren’t always widely available
For committed gluten-free readers highly engaged in the lifestyle, magazines offer specialized content and convenience worth the cover price. But those just occasionally gluten-free may be better served by online sources.
Conclusion
Gluten-free magazines have proliferated over the past two decades in step with greater adoption of the gluten-free diet and explosion in the market. For celiac patients and strict gluten-free followers, these publications provide recipes, support, and news tailored specifically to their dietary needs that general healthy lifestyle magazines cannot always adequately address.
While niche, the top gluten-free magazines like Gluten-Free Living, Living Without, and Gluten Free & More have established reputations as trusted go-to resources for those wanting to thrive in a gluten-free lifestyle. They offer community and a sense of shared experience for celiac families who often feel isolated in their dietary restrictions. Continued growth forecast in the gluten-free category suggests an ongoing role for informative gluten-free magazines both in print and digital forms.