Abstract One of the most challenging aspects of celiac disease management is lack of awareness in public. Aim of the study was to evaluate public awareness and sensitivity on celiac disease and gluten-free diet. 501 individuals in Manisa, Turkey were subjected to a survey to obtain information on demographics, awareness of celiac disease, celiac and gluten-free diet relationship, effect on social life quality and social awareness and sensitivity. Results were analyzed by chi-square test. 43.9% of the public had never heard of celiac disease before. Females were more aware of the disease and gluten-free diet dependency. Majority of the postgraduates (79.6%) recognized the disease. 44.9% of the respondents remarked that celiac patients had hesitations on dining out, while 32.3% found those people restricted for travel and holiday activities. Above one-third of subjects indicated that gluten-free product variety in the market was inadequate. However, more than half had no idea on these. Over 50% felt that, social awareness and sensitivity towards disease was unsatisfactory. This study was conducted to mirror the society’s approach towards celiac patients. It was demonstrated that public’s awareness and sensitivity about celiac disease was scarce. Knowledge of ‘celiac’ needs to be raised.

Abstract Reaching nutritious snack foods to consume outside, especially during socialization, is of great importance for celiac people. This study investigates the effects of partial substitution of sugar with persimmon powder (0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) as a source of sugar, in gluten-free cake formulation. Specific volume and density ranged between 1.48-2.04 mL/g and 4.89-6.54 g/mL in persimmon powder substituted cakes, respectively, whereas it was 2.08 mL/g and 5.06 g/mL in control cake. Substitution of sugar with 20 and 40% persimmon powder resulted in statistically comparable cakes with control in terms of specific volume and density. Springiness, cohesiveness and resilience decreased; hardness and chewiness increased by increasing persimmon powder substitution. 20% persimmon powder substituted gluten-free cake was statistically similar to control cake in terms of hardness. Persimmon inclusion lead to enriched cakes with significantly higher total phenolic content (up to 304.2%), ferric reducing antioxidant power (up to 384.4%) and radical scavenging activity (up to 264.3%). Enriched gluten-free cakes with increased K, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content as well as favorable sensorial and physical properties were achieved by 20 and 40% persimmon powder substitution. This study can help socialization of celiac people outside their houses by providing nutritious cakes.