Dunkin' Donuts To Release Gluten-Free Products

FILE- In this Feb. 14, 2013 file photo, a girl holds a beverage, served in a foam cup, and a donut at a Dunkin' Donuts in New York. A proposal to eliminate plastic foam takeout containers in New York City was met with criticism Wednesday, June 12, 2013, by restaurateurs who said a ban on the ubiquitous containers would drive up costs and potentially put them out of business. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Dunkin' Donuts will become the first fast-food chain in the country to release a line of gluten-free products this year, the company’s executive chef told Bloomberg News.

“We recognize the importance of providing our guests with many options, including alternative choices for people with food and dietary restrictions,” Stan Frankenthaler told Bloomberg.

Gluten-free is a new trend that is picking up with consumers.

Dunkin' Donuts will sell a cinnamon and sugar donut and a blueberry muffin that will be packaged separately from the regular items.

According to Bloomberg, Starbucks is considering adding gluten-ree items to its menu as well. Currently Chipotle offers gluten-free products and Dominos Pizza offers gluten-free crust, but advise it is prepared in the kitchen with the regular crust.

Gluten is the protein in wheat, rye and barley and cannot be eaten by those with Celiac’s disease.

Celiac’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects about one out of every 133 Americans, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center.

Dunkin' Donuts said it tested the gluten-free breakfast pastries in locations in Massachusetts earlier this year and the company was “pleased with the results.”

The new cinnamon and sugar donut will contain 320 calories while a standard glazed has 260.