Gluten-free basics ‘now a luxury’ as price of a small branded loaf nears £4

Gluten-free organic bread for sale at a London bakery. Branded products are even pricier. Photograph: Irina Naoumova/Alamy

Gluten-free versions of everyday staples such as bread and biscuits are becoming a luxury, with shoppers complaining that a “decent” small loaf now costs nearly £4.

Consumers have always paid a premium for these specialist foods, making any price increases a source of concern, particularly for people who follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons.