Whether it’s five portions of fruit a day or seven, healthy eating is the ubiquitous topic that dominates the headlines.

According to new research by the NHS, 1 in 100 people are affected by coeliac disease. In fact, scientists have found this condition affects six times more children living in Scotland now than it did in 1990.

Butterfly Snacks is a family owned business that was established in 2006 to tackle this rising trend. Company director, Tariq Malik, said: “After a family member was diagnosed with coeliac disease it proved very difficult to find quality products on the market.

"So through trial and error we managed to develop a range of unique, quality products suitable for people with intolerance to wheat, coeliac disease sufferers and generally people who choose wheat free diets.” Costly prescriptions were introduced in the late 1960s when access to gluten-free food was limited. However, these are now available in most big supermarkets. Tariq continued: “What makes Butterfly Snacks unique is that we have a wide range of products to excite any palette, whether you are coeliac or not. “We have four varieties of samosas include halal meat, vegetarian options and our very popular exclusive cheese samosa.

“Other products available are chicken and vegetable spring rolls, rottis, chicken sizzlers, moon pies, cheese balls and chick sticks.

“Gluten free birthday cakes are also available but these are made to order. All the same products are available in wheat options as well and can be purchased from www.butterflysnacks.com. “This niche we have created has led to receiving numerous awards including the ‘Food Northwest Award’ for Innovation in Products and the Tiger Award for Start Up Business of the Year.’”

A new business partnership with Majid Rehman has allowed for further growth in the marketing and sales department enabling them to focus on trade and overseas sales.

Majid said: “Gluten intolerance affects approximately 600,000 people in the UK. Gluten can be found in everything from biscuits to fish fingers. Whilst there is no treatment for coeliac disease, Butterfly Snacks allow people to eat delicious food without restrictions.”

As UK consumers are looking increasingly to shop online rather than on the high street, Tariq explains why this transformation has been beneficial for Butterfly Snacks. “Our current dedicated e-commerce website has been very successful and allowed us to provide a special frozen next day delivery service all over the country. “We now feel ready and excited to announce a new website launch which will still be customer focused but will have an account for trade and wholesale customers. We will continuously have special offers and promotions online.

“The new website launch will coincide with the launch of our new exciting product range. These new products are targeting the convenience market, as there is a need identified in this sector.

“These will include exclusive products like “Hot Pots” (gluten free pot noodles), gluten free crisps, and gluten free ready meals.

“You can find more information at: www.butterflysnacks.com.”