Gluten - Free Food Prescriptions

Overview

Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has decided to end routine prescriptions for gluten-free foods for adults and children with coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. This change will take effect from 1^st June. A transition period is in place to support patients and ensure continued access to dietary advice and support.

Gluten-free foods are now widely available in supermarkets and online. The cost of prescribing these foods through the NHS is significantly higher than buying them directly. Prescriptions were introduced when gluten-free foods were harder to access. Today, naturally gluten-free foods such as rice, potatoes, and corn flour remain affordable and widely available. Other allergy-related diets are not routinely supported through prescriptions.

Why the Change is Happening

The ICB carried out a thorough engagement process. This included surveys of patients, clinicians, advocacy groups, and discussions with local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Key concerns included potential increases in food costs and the impact on diet adherence, particularly for vulnerable groups. Evidence from other areas that have ended gluten-free prescribing shows no significant adverse health outcomes. The ICB will continue to monitor outcomes locally after the change.

Analysis shows that for most people, the additional cost of buying gluten-free foods is around £11 to £14 per month. This is based on comparing the cheapest supermarket options with gluten-free equivalents. Prescribing data also show no link between deprivation and prescribing rates, indicating that clinical need rather than socioeconomic status drives prescriptions.

For more information, see our previous work on gluten-free prescriptions here. 

Support for Patients

We understand that stopping gluten-free prescriptions may affect some people’s food budgets and require adjustments to your diet. To help you through this change, the ICB has put in place the following support:

• Prescriptions will continue until 1st June 2026. This allows time for patients to adjust.
• Patients affected by this change will be contacted before 1st June 2026 which will include information and resources to help patients follow a gluten-free diet safely.
• Patients with complex dietary needs can be referred to dietician services for additional support. 
   

Below are some useful resources and links to help you maintain a gluten-free diet. All retailers listed sell gluten-free foods directly and do not require an NHS prescription.