Gluten-free perceptions are getting worse. Sigh.

Well, the more we talk about the gluten-free diet, the more people just don't get it.

Despite our attempts to educate the public that gluten-free foods are not always healthy but are absolutely necessary for those of us with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, a new survey by Mintel shows that a large number of people don't take it seriously.

Mintel reported that "nearly half (47 percent) of consumers agree that gluten-free diets are a fad, compared to 31 percent in 2013."

All I can do is sigh.

There are some other interesting nuggets in the report, such as the distrust of gluten-free claims and the fact that 28 percent of celiacs "are less strict" about their gluten-free diet when they eat out. I'm wondering what that means: do people eat foods that they know are dangerous or are they more willing to take risks with cross-contamination when they eat out (I admit to being in the latter category)?

You can read Mintel's full press release on the survey here:

http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/food-and-drink/half-of-americans-think-gluten-free-diets-are-a-fad-while-25-eat-gluten-free-foods