The Cost of the Gluten Free Diet: Coeliac Disease Research Update with Associate Professor Kelly Lambert

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 186

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Associate Professor Kelly Lambert, Academic Program Director for Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales. Kelly and I first connected during a panel discussion at the Sydney Gluten Free Expo, where we tackled one of the most talked-about and often frustrating issues in the coeliac and gluten free space – the cost of gluten free food.

With the rising cost of living, the financial burden of maintaining a gluten free diet has only become more difficult for those of us with coeliac disease. Kelly has spent years studying this issue and shares some brand new research findings in this episode, including how her team conducted the studies and what the results reveal about the state of gluten free food affordability in Australia.

💬 We talk about:

• Kelly’s academic background and role in nutrition and dietetics
• Her personal connection (if any) to coeliac disease and the gluten free diet
• How the original study into gluten free food costs began and what inspired it
• New research findings and how they compare to previous data
• What this means for people with coeliac disease and other medically necessary gluten free diets
• How research like this can influence public health policy and advocacy efforts
• The recent Coeliac Australia petition for a gluten free food subsidy and how research may support it
• How Australia compares to countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Italy, where prescriptions or reimbursements exist for gluten free staples
• Our reflections on the Sydney Gluten Free Expo panel and the various perspectives shared – from researchers to small businesses to everyday consumers
• Kelly’s ongoing work and future plans in this area

🔗 Whether you're living with coeliac disease, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in food policy and nutrition research, this conversation will give you a better understanding of the challenges faced by gluten free Australians — and what steps might be taken to make gluten free food more accessible and affordable for all.

📢 Get involved:
If you'd like to learn more about Kelly’s research or participate in future studies, check out the links below. Your voice and experience can help shape the future of gluten free advocacy and research.

📌 Links & Resources:

• University of Wollongong – Nutrition & Dietetics Program
• Gluten Free Food Subsidy previous 2012 study  
• Register interest in future studies (insert link)
• The 2024 update on cost of staple gluten free foods 
• Climate footprint of gluten free diets 
• Associate Professor Kelly Lambert email - klambert@uow.edu.au 

🎧 Thanks so much for listening. If this epis

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