Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen introduces the latest installment of the Montana Business Spotlight series, which recognizes and highlights local businesses across the Treasure State. This feature introduces Montanans to Gluten-Free Prairie from Manhattan. Click the play button on the featured image to watch the Gluten-Free Prairie Business Spotlight.
HELENA, Mont. — Last week, Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen congratulated Rick and Deb Wheaton, owners of Gluten-Free Prairie in Manhattan, for being recognized during the 2025 Department of Commerce Made in Montana Tradeshow. Gluten-Free Prairie was one of a handful of businesses honored by their peers during the annual event, which highlights local businesses creating goods and products in Big Sky Country.
“I’m proud to spotlight Gluten-Free Prairie as a great example of community entrepreneurship in Montana. Rick and Deb Wheaton have turned their personal journey into a successful business that offers tasty gluten-free options and support for those with dietary restrictions,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Their dedication to quality truly reflects the spirit of ‘Made in Montana.’ Congratulations to Gluten-Free Prairie for making such a positive impact and thank you for doing business in Montana!”
Gluten-Free Prairie, a local family-owned business, has been aiming to transform the gluten-free food market since its humble beginnings in 2012. What started as a dream has become a thriving Montana business that has positively impacted the lives of people with dietary restrictions.
“Honestly, it was a dream. We lived in Manhattan, and there was a building in foreclosure. I kept envisioning something, and one day, I woke up with the name Gluten-Free Prairie,” recalled Deb. “Throughout it all, the support from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce, along with various grant opportunities, has helped us grow and thrive.”
Gluten-Free Prairie’s initial journey began years prior with Deb’s involvement on the board of directors for the nationwide Celiac Disease Foundation. Deb would meet Dr. David Sands, a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology at Montana State University, who would change her life forever.
“He developed the oats that we use and told her that she could eat oatmeal, which she hadn’t done for about seven years because of cross-contamination issues,” said Rick. “When she finally ate it, she said, ‘I need to let the other celiacs know that you can eat oatmeal again.’ And Gluten-Free Prairie was born.”
The Wheaton family’s commitment to creating gluten-free products that cater to their own needs has been the driving force behind the business. Deb and her daughter, both of whom have celiac disease, often come together to discuss the foods they miss and wish they could enjoy again. This collaborative brainstorming has inspired the creation of numerous gluten-free products, with many more potentially on the way.
“In the gluten-free world, I’m my customer. I think about what things I miss and my daughter, who’s also celiac; what do we miss? And it was pancake mix or pizza,” said Deb. “We started with a bag of oats and the Hunger Buster cookies, based on Rick’s grandmother’s recipe, and now you see our entire line of products. The hardest thing right now is to stop creating new products. I guess I can’t say no, and apparently, neither can he.”
Gluten-Free Prairie sells its products directly on its website, and showcasing its goods at the Made in Montana Tradeshow presents an exceptional opportunity.
“It’s a wonderful event every year, and what amazes us is the fact that people come no matter the weather. A couple of years ago, it was snowing and blowing, and they were still lined up outside the building,” said Rick. “It’s a great way for people who are Made in Montana products to showcase them and to share them with the public.”
“As Deb has said, Montana is the last best place to start a small business. We couldn’t have done this anywhere else.”
“The love and support and the authenticity of Montanans really means (a lot), you know? If you know, you know,” echoed Deb.
As the business continues to grow, the Wheaton family remains dedicated to their customers and to positively impacting the gluten-free community.
“People will say, ‘My sister said to come in because she could eat your pancakes.’ People refer people and trust us with that family member who has a gluten issue or whatever. And I just cry. I cry very easily; we both do,” laughed Deb. “But that means a lot because it’s so much more than starting a business; it’s making a difference. Maybe it sounds a little cliché, but it’s making a difference in people’s lives.”
“As Rick said, at the time that we started, when we met David Sands, my daughter and I hadn’t had oats for seven years, and he twisted my arm. And he’s a big guy; it was a big twist. But I’m so glad,” Deb added. “We need to track him down and remind him of what he’s created.”
About Gluten-Free Prairie
Located in Manhattan, Montana, Gluten-Free Prairie is a family-owned business that specializes in bringing the best products made with 100% Purity Protocol Certified Gluten-Free Oats. The company’s mission is to provide delicious, safe, gluten-free oat-based products while making a positive economic impact on their community. For more information about Gluten-Free Prairie, visit its website at www.glutenfreeprairie.com.
