Aberdeenshire-based shortbread and biscuit manufacturer Dean’s has launched a new range of gluten-free shortbread.
The new shortbreads, which are certified by Coeliac UK, are available in three varieties: all butter, chocolate chip, and chocolate chip with stem ginger. They will appeal both to coeliac sufferers and consumers who are looking to cut wheat and gluten out of their diet for lifestyle reasons, Dean’s said.
Dean’s managing director Bill Dean said: “We’ve been asked by customers many times over recent years to develop gluten-free shortbread products. We’ve spent a considerable time working on these recipes in order to create the same delicious buttery taste and melt-in-the-mouth texture consumers have come to expect from Dean’s. We’re very happy that consumers who follow a glutem-free diet will now be able to enjoy Dean’s shortbread.”
It is estimated that coeliac disease, which is characterised by an adverse reaction to gluten, affects 1% of the general population in the UK.
Coeliac UK chief executive Sarah Sleet said: “Being able to purchase new gluten-free products is a top priority for people with coeliac disease, who must follow a strict gluten-free diet for life. It’s fantastic that an established brand such as Dean’s is now able to offer their core product to people with coeliac disease in their new range of shortbread, certified gluten-free by Coeliac UK, enabling them to use the Crossed Grain symbol on packaging.”
Available through selected retailers, Dean’s gluten-free shortbread has a recommended retail price of £2.79 for a 150g pack.
Dean’s has grown to become a household name across Scotland in the last four decades, employing around 130 people and exporting its products to almost 30 markets around the world.
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