Access to gluten-free foods for people with coeliac disease in New Zealand.

Abstract

A strict gluten-free (GF) diet is the current mainstay of treatment for coeliac disease (CD). A limited range of GF foods are available on prescription for those with CD. GF foods purchased in shops are typically more expensive than gluten-containing equivalents. This study sought to understand how New Zealanders with CD obtain GF products and the changes associated with this. Coeliac New Zealand members were asked to complete an anonymous electronic survey in June 2023. Although 24% of the 522 respondents had accessed GF foods on prescription in the past, only 2% currently used the service. One-third of the respondents were unaware of the service. Cost and limited product range were the key reasons for not accessing prescriptions. Most non-prescription GF foods were purchased from a supermarket, with 54% spending over $50 per week on GF foods. Most respondents (90%) would prefer a discount card to purchase GF products. Preferences regarding the prescription service would be to collect products from a local shop (84%) or a pharmacy (42%). This study indicates a very low uptake of GF products on prescription, with awareness, cost, product range and convenience limiting use of the service. Most respondents would prefer financial support for discounted GF products.