Got Gluten? The Scrumptious Taste of Gluten Intolerance (2023)

  • Student(s): Sydney O’Melia
  • Project Mentor(s): Timothy Messner
  • Poster

Millions of people struggle with severe digestive issues without understanding why. One reason for this situation is that commercialized bread and cross-bred wheat have increased gluten proteins in our foodstuffs, thereby intensifying gluten-induced indigestion. A new technique (in which gluten is extracted from wheat) can make grain products more digestible. Foods can also be made without gluten altogether. Producing a pleasing flavor in gluten-free bread is ideal for those with celiac disease or a gluten allergy. Toward this end, I aim to produce three varieties of sourdough bread—high-gluten wheat; einkorn (a low-gluten grain used by ancient peoples); and gluten free—and compare the flavor, rise, texture, overall taste, and appearance of each variety. My results will provide information on how to accommodate bread-lovers with gluten allergies.