Approved suppliers reference

Why this list exists

The U.S. bishops have published guidance and a reference list of approved distributors. This page exists so parish staff can find it quickly and keep the process normal and dignified. For more background on what low-gluten hosts are and how they work, see our complete guide.

Important notes

• Low gluten hosts contain trace amounts of wheat and are not completely gluten-free
• Completely gluten-free hosts are not valid matter for the Eucharist
• Always verify current availability and pricing directly with suppliers
• Some suppliers require documentation of parish affiliation
• Hosts should be stored in a cool, dry place (not refrigerated) and kept in original sealed packaging until use

United States Suppliers

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (Clyde, Missouri)

The most widely recognized supplier in the United States. Their hosts are made from wheat starch processed to remove gluten.

• Gluten content: Tested below 10 ppm
• Packaging: Individually sealed
• Shelf life: Approximately 12 months
• Available in: Individual hosts and parish quantities
• Website: benedictinesisters.org

Many parishes order directly from the Benedictine Sisters. They are familiar with parish needs and can help with ordering questions.

International Suppliers

Coeliac Hosts (Altar Breads Ltd, UK)

A UK-based supplier that ships internationally. Used widely in Europe and increasingly in the United States.

• Gluten content: Below 20 ppm
• Packaging: Individually wrapped for safety
• Availability: Through various Catholic supply companies

Parish Altar Bread (Australia)

For those in Australia and the Pacific region, this supplier offers low-gluten options approved for Catholic use.

Ordering for Your Parish

When ordering for parish use, consider:

• How many parishioners need accommodations
• How often they attend Mass
• Storage capacity in the sacristy
• Order quantities that will be used within 6-12 months

Some parishes order a small supply initially to test the system, then reorder based on actual usage. See our guide on setting up a pyx system at your parish for more details.

For Individual Parishioners

If you're purchasing hosts for personal use, you can order directly from suppliers. Many celiacs keep a personal supply for travel or as a backup. Always store them in their original sealed packaging until use.

If you travel often, consider asking your home parish to order hosts that you can bring with you. Keep a personal backup supply for when you're away from your regular parish. See our guide to traveling as a Catholic with celiac for more tips.

Verifying Suppliers

Before ordering from any supplier, verify:

• They can provide test results showing gluten content (should be under 20 ppm)
• They specifically state the hosts are approved for Catholic Eucharistic use
• They understand the difference between "low-gluten" and "gluten-free"
• They can provide documentation if your parish requires it

Be wary of suppliers who claim their hosts are "gluten-free." If a host is truly gluten-free (0 ppm), it's not valid matter for the Eucharist. What you want is "low-gluten"—enough wheat to be valid, little enough to be safe.

Church Guidance

The 2017 letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship affirmed that celiacs should have access to the Eucharist through low-gluten hosts or Communion under the species of wine alone. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has also published guidance on this topic.

If your parish has questions about the validity or appropriateness of low-gluten hosts, they can reference official Church documents. The key point: low-gluten hosts are valid matter when they contain wheat, even if most of the gluten has been removed.