Predictions abound at the beginning of a new year. Apparently, one of the top predictions regarding food trends for 2010 is more gluten-free food.

Gluten allergy is one of the top food allergens. Add to this the people who have celiac sprue and gluten intolerance and it’s not surprising that gluten-free food is becoming more and more popular.

Frankly, there are other avoidance diets that can mean a gluten-free life too. For those who must avoid oxalic acid and other oxalates because of kidney stones or other medical conditions, gluten can become a problem. For many people, gluten simply contains too much of this irritating chemical.

Gluten-free doesn’t mean gummy pasta and tasteless breads anymore either. Many gluten-free pastas are so tasty, you might not want to go back to wheat-based pasta.

Sources: Daily Beast; Examiner; BeAllergyWise