Public Awareness, Label Literacy, and Consumer Behavior Regarding Gluten-Free Products in Arar, Saudi Arabia: Implications for the Supportive Environment of Immune-Mediated Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background/Objectives: Community-level knowledge, food-label literacy, and consumer perceptions may shape the environment in which medically indicated gluten-free diets are followed. This study assessed prior exposure to the term “gluten,” ingredient-label literacy, perceived gluten-free product (GFP) cost, and purchasing behavior and intentions among adults in Arar, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A bilingual Arabic–English online cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to adult residents of Arar using non-probability convenience sampling. Categorical data were summarized as frequencies, percentages, and 95% Wilson confidence intervals. Association analyses were exploratory. Results: A total of 306 eligible adult respondents were included. Prior exposure to the term “gluten” was reported by 70.3% (95% CI: 64.8–75.3). Only 14.1% (95% CI: 10.6–18.4) reported always understanding ingredient terminology, whereas 35.0% (95% CI: 29.8–40.5) reported not understanding it. Most respondents (60.5%; 95% CI: 54.9–65.8) perceived GFPs as more expensive than standard products. Under a hypothetical scenario of improved affordability and availability, 34% indicated that they would definitely purchase GFPs regularly and 48.4% indicated that they would possibly do so. Reported acquaintance with someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity was associated with hypothetical purchase intention (χ2 = 9.07, p = 0.011; Cramér’s V = 0.172). Conclusions: In this convenience sample, prior exposure to the term “gluten” coexisted with limited self-reported comprehension of ingredient terminology and perceived cost barriers. These descriptive findings do not establish market conditions, gluten-free diet adherence, or clinical outcomes, but identify community-level issues for future patient-based and retail-audit research.