From 1 April 2026, there will be a change to NHS prescriptions for gluten-free bread and flour mix across the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board area.
Following a regional review and public engagement during summer 2025, it has been decided that people aged 25 and over will no longer receive NHS prescriptions for gluten-free bread or flour mix.
What is changing
From 1 April 2026, patients aged 25 and over will no longer be able to receive gluten-free bread or flour mix on NHS prescription.
Children and young people under the age of 25 will continue to receive these products on prescription.
Patients who are currently 24 years old will lose eligibility when they turn 25.
Why is this change happening?
The decision was made after a regional review and feedback from more than 1,400 people during a six-week listening period.
Key reasons include:
Many areas of England have already stopped prescribing gluten-free foods.
Gluten-free foods are now widely available in supermarkets and online.
A gluten-free bread mix can cost the NHS more than £10 per prescription item, compared to around £2.27 in a supermarket.
The change helps ensure NHS funding is used for essential medical care.
What this means for patients
If you are aged 25 or over, you will need to buy gluten-free bread and flour mixes yourself from supermarkets, pharmacies, or online retailers.
If you have coeliac disease, it is important that you continue to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
What is not changing
Children and young people under 25 can still receive gluten-free bread and flour mix on prescription.
Medical care and support for coeliac disease will continue.
Prescriptions for other medicines are not affected.
You can still speak to your pharmacist or healthcare team for advice about managing a gluten-free diet.
Questions?
Some patients may receive a letter about this change from the NHS. If you have questions or would like further advice, please contact the practice and a member of the team will be happy to help.
