Dunkin' Donuts Entering Gluten-Free Options Arena

Dunkin’ Donuts is looking to further expand its customer base with gluten-free options, according to a CNN Money report.

By the end of the year, the doughnut and coffee chain will offer cinnamon-sugar donuts and blueberry muffins to the gluten-free crowd. The Dunkin’ Donuts in Florissant opened its door in 2011.

“At Dunkin' Donuts, we recognize the importance of providing our guests with many options, including alternative choices for people with food and dietary restrictions," Dunkin' PR director Michelle King said in a statement. "We understand that sensitivities to food ingredients such as gluten are a serious concern for certain guests."

A gluten-free diet serves a growing population who suffer from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune digestive disease, according to Celiac Central’s website. Approximately 1 percent of the United States population has the disease, and a lifelong gluten-free diet is a standard for treatment.

The gluten-free market has become a growing market with more than $4 billion expected for 2012, according to a Huffington Post article. It looks to be more than $6 billion by 2017.

In Florissant, another popular eatery known for its gluten-free offerings is Mario’s Pizza.

What other businesses in North County offer gluten-free products?