Aussies aren’t happy with Woolworths after finding out how much the supermarket’s new gluten-free mudcake will cost them.
It’s the biggest recipe change for the iconic dessert in more than 30 years, and it will be just under $3 more expensive than a regular mudcake, which is $7.10.
Woolworths told Yahoo Lifestyle that creating gluten-free versions of beloved items isn’t easy.
Australians have complained about the cost of a new mudcake at Woolworths
(Yahoo Lifestyle)
“Delivering the taste, texture, and safety our gluten-free shoppers deserve requires extra care, from specialised ingredients to dedicated gluten-free facilities,” the spokesperson said.
“These standards come with higher production costs, but we’re constantly working behind the scenes with our partners to keep prices thoughtful and ensure we’re always offering the best possible value.”
The new mudcake will hit shelves on August 24 and be a permanent fixture alongside the chocolate, caramel, and white versions.
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Woolies made its big announcement about the incoming arrival on Wednesday, and it didn’t take long for people to complain about the price.
“I’m getting a little tired of the GF tax […] an additional $3 above $7, that’s a bit much,” one said.
“Why the gluten-free tax on all?” another demanded to know.
“Of course it’s more expensive,” another commiserated.
But many, including this coeliac Yahoo Lifestyle reporter, were just happy that they could finally tuck into a mudcake without fear of it making their intolerances or autoimmune conditions flare up.
Do you have a story? Contact claudia.poposki@yahooinc.com
Coeliacs don’t have a whole lot of options when it comes to baked goods, so when a gluten-free version of something as legendary as a Woolies’ mudcake comes along, I think sometimes you just have to suck up the price difference.
It’s not like paying $8 extra for a small gluten-free pizza base at a restaurant when you’re already forking out $32.
The mudcake will be available from August 24.
(Woolworths/Yahoo)Why is gluten-free food more expensive?
For something to be declared gluten-free in Australia, it has to have no detectable traces of gluten.
Australia’s standard for gluten-free is far higher than in other parts of the world, which allows up to 20 parts per million of gluten.
Gluten can remain in cooking preparation areas for years, so businesses often need a dedicated area to make gluten-free food. It also impacts how crops are grown.
That is why a lot of products may not have gluten as an ingredient, but they will feature a “may contain” label as the item is made in a facility where a product containing gluten is made.
It typically results in a higher cost at checkout due to the care required for its production.
An Australian-first study conducted at the University of Wollongong by researchers Kelly Lambert and Caitlin Ficken in 2016 found that the average coeliac could be paying up to 17 per cent more for a gluten-free diet at the supermarket.
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