International Research estimates that up to 5% of our population has coeliac disease (that’s 300,000 people in New Zealand alone) and of those, 30,000 are likely to be children under the age of 18. It is estimated that around 80% of those with coeliac disease are undiagnosed.

This week is Coeliac Awareness Week (12-18 June). Like many families in New Zealand, Halo & Swoon is personally affected by Coeliac Disease and this was one of the main drivers for its inception.

People who have coeliac disease are unable to eat gluten, because if they do, the cells lining the small bowel (intestine) become damaged and inflamed. This causes flattening of the tiny, finger-like projections, called villi, which line the inside of the bowel.

The function of the villi is to break down and absorb nutrients in food. When these villi become flat, the surface area of the bowel is greatly decreased, interfering with the absorption of nutrients from food. This can lead to deficiencies in vitamins (such as vitamin D, vitamin B12 or folate) and minerals (e.g. iron and calcium). Such deficiencies can lead to significant health issues, including (but not limited to) abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, diarrhoea or chronic constipation.

All our products have the Crossed Grain Logo™ accreditation from Coeliac New Zealand. This confirms our products are regularly tested and have no detectable gluten. We also ensure that our products are manufactured on an entirely gluten free production line so Coeliacs (and those with gluten intolerances) can eat our products with confidence, whilst not having to compromise on taste!