Being gluten-free is something that 20-30% of the United States population participates in. However, only 4% do so because of medical reasons.

Many restaurants have little to no gluten-free options. Cidney Hines, 10, feels that restaurants and fast food chains should offer more choices.

“I don’t feel like there’s a lot of options…they should have options for everyone,” Hines said. 

Clayton Meek, 11, agrees with Hines that more stores and restaurants should be more accommodating to people that are gluten-free.

“They usually have some [options], but they’re at the bottom of the menu,” Meek said. “I think some could have [better options].”

But is being gluten-free worth the hassle of finding ingredients? According to Harvard Health, being gluten-free is more likely

to be expensive, and gluten-free foods have less fiber, iron, and folic acid.

However, some positives of being gluten-free are that it supports gut and bone health, helping maintain energy levels, and improving with mental clarity.

Tanner Plante, 9, feels as though the positives are better and considers becoming gluten-free. 

“I think [the positives] somewhat outweigh the negatives, like 60/40,” Plante said. “Potentially, [I would consider being gluten-free]. I don’t know, my dad is. He doesn’t like it a whole lot, but I don’t think he minds.”

On the other hand, Hines is unsure whether they could be gluten-free.

“Yeah, I would consider it, but I don’t know if I would. The benefits are cool, but I don’t know if I could follow through with it,” Hines said. 

In the end, whether it’s 1% of the population, or 99% of the population, many people can agree that restaurants and stores should be more accommodating to those that are gluten-free.