Gluten-free eaters can now enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts, at least for one item.
The restaurant chain’s 8,500 U.S. stores have begun offering a gluten-free fudge brownie, its first gluten-free bakery product.
A statement from the company addresses “the importance of providing alternative choices for people with dietary restrictions or who choose a gluten-free diet.”
“We’re pleased our new menu offers guests a gluten-free Fudge Brownie, which is so chewy and delicious we think everyone will love it,” Tony Weisman, the company’s chief marketing officer, said in the statement.
Gluten-free foods have become so popular they are projected to bring in some $2 billion in sales by 2020, according to food industry researcher Packaged Facts.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. There are people who can’t tolerate gluten, especially those with Celiac disease.
However, gluten-free products have also become a fad item and people are using it with the hope of losing weight or boosting energy, although there is little evidence of success.
But the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise isn’t just focused on new items for gluten-focused patrons. It has been offering options to attract more customers with a new Dunkin’ Run menu that includes donut fries, waffle-breaded chicken tenders, and ham & cheese roll-ups.
The company is trending toward a menu that offers more than just breakfast items and is putting more emphasis on drink selections. Some stores are even removing the word “donuts” from the title.