Dunkin' Donuts goes gluten-free

Dunkin' Donuts is reaching out to an unexpected consumer: the gluten-free customer.

The Canton, Mass.-based pastry and coffee chain announced Wednesday it would start selling gluten-free cinnamon sugar doughnuts and blueberry muffins nationwide later this year.

"We recognize the importance of providing our guests with many options, including alternative choices for people with food and dietary restrictions," Stan Frankenthaler, chief executive of Dunkin' Donuts, said.

While the move will likely make Dunkin' the first major breakfast chain to offer gluten-free options, Starbucks purchased a bakery that sells organic breads and could be considering gluten-free items.

Gluten-free foods were traditionally fare for people with celiac disease, who have a sensitivity to gluten, the protein in wheat, rye and barley. But recent health trends have led to more and more people choosing to cut gluten out of their diets, believing it to improve digestion.

Dunkin' Donuts is testing the gluten-free products at a few locations near Boston and Miami.