Norfolk blogger with Coeliac disease says rising food costs have a big impact on her diet
"I can't justify spending that much on food."
A Norfolk blogger with Coeliac disease says rising food costs are having a big impact on her diet.
While food prices are hitting everyone - it's especially bad for those with limited diets, like those who have to eat gluten free - with a study from Coeliac UK showing a weekly gluten free food shop can be as much as 20% more expensive than a standard weekly food shop.
Frankie Cox, who's based in Attleborough, was diagnosed with Coeliac disease, a serious autoimmune condition where the only current treatment is a medically prescribed gluten free diet, six years ago: "Prices have shot up. As a result of that, I really do try and limit the amount of gluten free items I buy.
"Now the only gluten free items I buy every week are bread and pasta - and even then I try to avoid buying them if I can because they're so expensive.
"Instead I try to find things that are naturally gluten free."
The charity says, on average, shoppers will pay on average double for gluten free staple substitutes like pasta, flour, bread rolls and cereal.
Frankie tell us her options are limited - and she can't get the right food at shops which tend to be cheaper: "When I'm out and about shopping, I usually have to go to several shops, because smaller stores, and supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl don't stock gluten free bread, pasta, cakes or anything, really...
"Now I don't buy lots of specialist items that I would previously have bought, because it's just too expensive for what they are - they're just not worth it.
"I can't justify spending that much on food."
Coeliac UK is now calling on policy makers and the food industry to ensure those affected can access the food they need to treat their condition.