GLUTEN free foods are a lifeline to coeliac suffers but, more often than not, shoppers are left with a limited choice of foods that range in taste, availability and price in supermarkets.

Woodborough couple Katie Barnes and Paul McLoughlin shared this disappointment with other coeliac sufferers, and in June last year, the pair decided to quit their full-time jobs to create a gluten free food range, known as 10 The Food Shed.

The couple had initially started selling gluten free bakes at local markets but as requests, and popularity, grew from their customers so did their free from food range and they now sell a small selection of sweet and savoury gluten free treats including brownies, cookies, pasta and bread.

Miss Barnes had previously worked for an international cheese exporter and was able to see first-hand, the lack of options for people who suffer with food allergies and was left disappointed with the gluten free options in supermarkets which are typically yellow in colour.

She said: “We wanted our product to stand out and feel different and organic, that’s why we have used recycle-friendly packaging and not just copying supermarkets by putting it in plastic.

“For us, it was a gap in the market and the supermarkets weren’t filling it.”

Her partner Mr McLoughlin, was previously a design engineer and after giving up his job to set up the business, he became involved in the logistical aspects such as finding a production kitchen which is 100 per cent gluten free as well as finding equipment to help make their products.

He said: “We had a pasta machine specially built for us from Italy and since then we have been able to make both dry and fresh pasta which can be bought directly in places like restaurants.”

The pair recently exhibited their product range at A Local Larder event in Bradford on Avon which showcased a range of Wiltshire food producers.

Prices just start from £1.25 for their products and the couple opened their first retail shop last week at Nursery Barn in Woodborough where they are offering customers gluten free ravioli, pasta salads, ready meals and lasagne produced at their gluten free kitchen just 100 yards away.

For more information, visit www.10thefoodshed.com.

Mid week gluten free pasta. A simple, quick, tasty meal all the family can enjoy.

To serve 4

Ingredients

1 x tin of anchovies in olive oil

2 tbsp capers

300g 10 The Food Shed gluten free spinach pasta

2 tbsp grated Parmesan

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Place pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes

Dice anchovies into small pieces

Add anchovies, capers and oil to cooked, drained pasta

Mix thoroughly

Top with grated Parmesan and season