Lady Gaga recently became the latest celebrity to eliminate gluten from her diet.

According to the Australian paper Sky News, Lady Gaga (real name Stefani Germanotta) is supposedly on a mission to lose 10 pounds and has chosen to ditch the gluten in order to do so.  She is hoping that eating gluten-free will give her the energy she needs to power through the remaining legs of her international tour.

"Gaga has decided to go on a major body blitz and cut out all gluten and wheat from her diet, which is very hard to do," Sky News' source reports. "She has given her people strict instruction to advise staff at venues and restaurants about her new diet because she is taking it very seriously."

Does Gaga have celiac?  Is she intolerant or sensitive to gluten?

No.  She is simply going gluten-free in an attempt to lose weight!

So our question to you is this...

Do you think it's beneficial for the gluten-free community when big celebrities bring the gluten-free diet into the spotlight or do you think this publicity simply gives the general public the idea that eating gluten-free is nothing more than a fad diet?

What say you?!

(Source: Huffington Post)

Today, Smart Balance announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Udi's Healthy Foods for $125 million (purchase price of $103 million and an additional $22 million in future tax benefits) - an acquisition it says will enable it to offer "the most comprehensive portfolio of gluten-free products."

Smart Balance said it was acquiring Udi's Healthy Foods from E&A Industries, an Indianapolis-based investment firm, the family of Udi Baron and other minority holders.

Smart Balance had previously purchased Quebec-based Glutino Food Group, a Canadian maker of gluten-free foods.

Stephen Hughes, chairman and chief executive of Smart Balance, said today that Udi Baron, founder of Udi's, partnered with E&A Industries three years ago to launch a groundbreaking gluten-free bakery line.

"Today the brand is the leading devoted gluten-free brand with a very loyal following in gluten-free bread.  Udi's leading bread and bakery portfolio is the perfect compliment to Glutino's wide range of bakery products, and broadens our natural foods portfolio which includes Earth Balance, Glutino and now Udi's," said Hughes.

In the 12 month period ending March 31, Udi's sales were $60.9 million.

Devin Anderson, chief executive of Udi's Healthy Foods, said the acquisition by Smart Balance represents "an outstanding opportunity to bring together two companies which share similar corporate visions, principles and growth objectives..."

Smart Balance's Hughes said the gluten-free food segment is now a "cornerstone" strategy for Smart Balance.

"This acquisition will be transformational to our company, as it will position Smart Balance as a leader in gluten-free, accelerate our growth rate, and further diversify our mix to high-growth natural brands."

Smart Balance has made two previous major acquisitions: GFA Brands, Inc. in 2007, makers of Smart Balance and Earth Balance, and Glutino Food Group in 2011.

Hughes said that the 2012 acquisition of Udi's Healthy Foods, "the current leading devoted gluten-free brand," marks the company's third major acquisition.

Smart Balance said it expects to close the transaction for Udi's in July.

Here's the official press release announcing the new partnership with Gluten-Free Deals that will help to increase your gluten-free savings!
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Mission Viejo, CA (PRWEB) May 22, 2012

Gluten-Free Saver, the popular group-buying website that provides gluten-free consumers with deals on a variety of gluten-free products, has partnered with Gluten Free Deals to provide even more savings to the gluten-free community.

Since it’s launch in October 2011, Gluten-Free Saver has grown to become one of the premier digital advertising platforms for gluten-free businesses and now reaches over 100,000 gluten-free consumers throughout the U.S.

Gluten-Free Saver offers nationwide deals that allow consumers to purchase gluten-free products at discounts between 37-80%. Gluten Free Deals, on the other hand, will soon be offering local deals that feature discounts and coupons for gluten-free restaurants and bakeries.

“Gluten-Free consumers are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to shop and save money,” says Max Librach, Co-Founder of Gluten-Free Saver. “The goal of this partnership is to provide gluten-free individuals with more opportunities to save money and try new products through local and national deals.”

Through strong, strategic partnerships with some of the top brands in the gluten-free space, Gluten-Free Saver has been able to save the gluten-free community over $220,000, while allowing businesses to instantly gain thousands of new customers – a winning outcome for both consumers and merchants.

This groundbreaking partnership will only help to increase the savings for gluten-free consumers and arrives during Celiac Awareness Month, which is a cause that both Gluten-Free Saver and Gluten Free Deals are incredibly passionate about.

Gluten-Free Saver membership is absolutely free. To be the first to discover new deals, sign up at http://www.glutenfreesaver.com/signup.

For more information on having your business featured on Gluten-Free Saver, email info@glutenfreesaver.com.

You probably know that May is Celiac Awareness Month.  But, did you know that there are a ton of fun ways for you to help raise awareness...and get some FREE gluten-free goodies in the process?
Here are 7 great ways for you to raise some awareness, have fun and possibly win some cool stuff:
1) Get a Dollar, Give a Dollar with Rudi’s Gluten Free Bakery
Rudi’s “Spread the Bread” campaign for celiac awareness month is a great way to donate money while saving on Rudi’s delicious products. After donating $1 to the gluten-free charity of your choice, you will be able to download a coupon for $1 off of any Rudi’s products. Click here to check it out.
2) Celiac Disease Foundation Giveaway
CDF is giving away gluten-free goodies galore!  To win, visit the NEW Resource Directory and enter your email address in the "Sign Up" box at the top of the page. The 500th person to enter will win $100 worth of sweet gluten-free treats and more!
3) DeBoles® Gluten-Free Pasta Party
Rediscover the simple pleasure of a pasta night with the family.  Make your Celiac Awareness Month celebration complete with a pasta party!  Visit NFCA’s Facebook page starting and click on the DeBoles Gluten-Free Pasta Party album (it’s under Photos). Leave a comment on one of the photos and you’ll be entered to win one of 5 giveaways. Each winner will receive 3 boxes of DeBoles Gluten-Free Pasta, courtesy of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.  Visit NFCA on Facebook
4) Cupcakes For A Cause
Hosted by the American Celiac Disease Alliance, this Facebook contest invites you to post pictures of cupcakes that you've baked in an effort to raise awareness for gluten-free labeling.  Post your pics on the Cupcakes for a Cause Facebook Page for a chance to win some cool prizes! 
5) FREE eBook Beyond Your Gluten-Free Diet: 4 Steps to a Better Life with Celiac Disease
From the guys who brought you CeliAct - a nutritional supplement that's custom-made for individuals living with celiac disease - this exclusive eBook provides you with 4 important steps to help you live a better life with celiac! Click here to download the eBook.
6) Educate Yourself
Udi's has created a great board on Pinterest that's filled with several facts about celiac disease.  Click here to check out the Udi's Pinterest Board.
7) Get Social On Gluten-Free Faces
Gluten-Free Faces is the most trusted network on the Internet dedicated to everything gluten-free. ...

Domino's Pizza has launched a gluten-free pizza crust at all of its nearly 5,000 stores in the U.S. It is the first national delivery chain to offer a gluten-free crust.

However, this news comes with a heavy disclaimer (see the video below for full disclaimer)...

The company consulted with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, which offers an official accreditation program to restaurants that serve gluten-free items. Here's where things get a bit tricky though. Domino's explains in a press release:

"While Domino's new Gluten Free Crust is appropriate for those with mild gluten sensitivity, Domino's and the NFCA do not recommend it for those with celiac disease. Domino's and the NFCA found that while the crust is certified as gluten free, current store operations at Domino's cannot guarantee that each handcrafted pizza will be completely free from gluten."

In short, the gluten-free pizza crust is made in a facility where there is gluten present, so the company doesn't recommend the crust for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. For more FAQs, see Domino's Facebook page.

We would LOVE to hear your thoughts about this, so feel free to post in the comments below!  Are you excited?  Would you give the pizza a try, knowing that there's a risk of cross-contamination?

Domino's also made a video about the crust that explains why Domino's is so excited about the product, and also discusses the risks of eating the crust if you have celiac disease: