5 gluten-free stocks to watch

Gluten-free foods are taking off in popularity, but while it's getting easier to avoid gluten in your diet, it's still difficult to avoid it in your portfolio. Most gluten-free brands on grocery store shelves are either privately owned or owned by a larger parent company.

This means that the easiest way to get exposure to this specialty market is to invest in grocery stores and large food manufacturers that offer gluten-free food, like Krogers, Whole Foods (owned by Amazon) and Kraft. You can also get more exposure to the market with international stocks, though you'll need an account with a broker that offers access, like Interactive Brokers.

5 popular gluten-free stocks to watch

We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the specialty foods industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap stocks.

1. Kroger Company (KR)
2. General Mills (GIS)
3. Amazon-com (AMZN)
4. N/A (N/A)
5. Kraft Heinz (KHC)

Compare investment accounts that help you research stocks

The gluten-free stocks industry is affected by a range of complex factors such as trade policies, regulations, and fluctuating supply and demand. So when considering gluten-free stocks to buy, it's important that you have access to vital information about a company's financial health, leadership team, and market positioning.

Our picks for platforms with research tools

How to invest in gluten-free stocks

1. Choose an online stock trading platform. Choose from our Top Picks above, use our comparison table below or jump straight to the best stock trading apps in Canada.
2. Sign up for an account. Provide your personal information and sign up.
3. Set up a funding method to pay for the transaction. Deposit funds into your account by linking your banking information.
4. Choose the stocks you want to buy. Search for the stock by name or ticker symbol like KR or GIS.
5. Place your order. Buy the stock. It's that simple.

Buy gluten-free stocks from these online trading platforms

Compare special offers, low fees and a wide range of investment options among top trading platforms.

Note: The dollar amounts in the table below are in Canadian dollars.

Finder Score for stock trading platforms

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Trading costs, account fees and features across 10+ stock trading platforms and apps are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the platform - simple.

Read the full methodology

Related: Compare the best stock trading platforms in Canada

Bottom line

While it's possible to turn a profit investing in gluten-free stocks, keep in mind that—like any investment—gluten-free stocks are not immune to risk. These stocks are subject to fluctuating conditions both in the market and in the specialty foods industry, so carefully vet your picks before you invest. If you're new to investing or if it's been a while since you've taken a critical look at your investment accounts, compare brokers to make sure you're getting the best trading features for your needs.

Related: How to buy stocks in Canada

Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.