Why Is Italy So Much Better at Handling Coeliac Disease Than Britain?

Living with coeliac disease in the UK often feels like an uphill battle. Finding safe food options can be a nightmare, cross-contamination is barely taken seriously in some places, and don’t even get me started on the people who think avoiding gluten is just a “lifestyle choice.”

But then you look at Italy, and it’s like stepping into a parallel universe where coeliac disease is actually taken seriously. It’s not treated as a diet trend, restaurants don’t act like you’re an inconvenience, and—get this—the government even helps pay for gluten-free food.

So why does Italy get it so right, while Britain still feels like it’s playing catch-up? Let’s break it down.

Gluten-Free Food Is Easy to Find

In Italy, finding gluten-free food isn’t some epic quest. Supermarkets have huge dedicated sections, and even small corner shops stock safe options. You can even buy gluten-free food in pharmacies—because Italy understands that coeliac disease is a medical condition, not a diet choice.

Meanwhile, in the UK? You might find a few sad-looking loaves of bread crammed onto one shelf in the “free-from” section (don’t get me wrong this has massively improved over the years). And let’s not even talk about the insane price markup. Why does a tiny loaf of gluten-free bread cost the same as a full meal deal?!

Restaurants Actually Take It Seriously

Eating out in Italy as a coeliac is a totally different experience. Many restaurants have dedicated gluten-free menus, and even traditional pizzerias offer safe gluten-free pizza cooked in separate ovens to avoid cross-contamination. Staff are trained to understand the risks, and you don’t get that awkward blank stare when you ask about their gluten-free options.

In the UK? Well, we all know how that goes. Half the time, a “gluten-free” dish comes with a side of eye-rolling, and don’t even think about asking if they use a separate fryer. Too many places treat it like a preference rather than a medical necessity, which leads to coeliacs getting sick from cross-contamination far too often.

The Government Actually Helps

Hold on to your seats as this one’s a biggie. In Italy, if you’re diagnosed with coeliac disease, the government gives you a monthly allowance to help cover the cost of gluten-free food. Yep, they actually acknowledge that gluten-free living is expensive and help people afford the food they need to stay healthy.

Meanwhile, in Britain? NHS gluten-free prescriptions have been cut back or scrapped in many areas, so you’re mostly on your own. If you want to eat safely, you’d better be prepared to pay extra for it.

Awareness Is Miles Ahead

Because Italy takes coeliac disease seriously, awareness is so much better. Schools, hospitals, and workplaces understand the condition, and it’s not dismissed as a fad. There’s also a strong support network, with Italy’s coeliac association (AIC) working closely with restaurants and food manufacturers to keep standards high.

In the UK, we still have people who think coeliac disease is just a fad. A prime example of this is The Telegraph article by Greg Dickinson the other day, which clearly highlighted the widespread lack of understanding about the disease. (Read my take on this article below). Oh and I’m not even going to even mention the This Morning Vanessa Feltz fiasco last year.

The Telegraph’s Gluten-Free Nonsense: Why This Kind of Reporting Is Dangerous

So, What Needs to Change in Britain?

If we want to catch up with Italy, here’s what needs to happen:

✅ More government support – Whether it’s bringing back prescriptions or offering financial aid, something needs to give as prices are just going up and up.

✅ Better education – People (especially in the food industry and apparently journalism🙄) need to understand that coeliac disease is serious.

✅ Stricter restaurant standards – Cross-contamination training should be mandatory, not optional.

✅ More accessible gluten-free food – Better supermarket stock and fairer pricing would make a huge difference.

Right now, being coeliac in Britain feels like a daily battle. But Italy proves it doesn’t have to be this way.

So, what do you think? Should Britain follow Italy’s lead? Let me know in the comments!