CLEVELAND — Athens Foods, Inc., producer of phyllo dough and phyllo dough products for more than 60 years, is making its first foray into the gluten-free segment with a new line of gluten-free phyllo bites.

The appetizers feature crispy layers of phyllo dough made with rice flour and tapioca flour that are wrapped around savory fillings. The bites come in three varieties: buffalo style chicken, steak fiesta, and spinach and cheese.

The buffalo style chicken bites include white meat chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Monterey jack cheese and cayenne pepper sauce. The bites contain 350 calories and 15 grams of protein per 12-piece serving.

The steak fiesta variety features seasoned beef steak, green chilies, red peppers, Monterey Jack cheese, onion and a splash of lime juice. Each 12-piece serving contains 380 calories and 16 grams of protein.

The spinach and cheese phyllo bites are made with a blend of spinach, feta, cream cheese and cottage cheese with a touch of dill. The bites contain 360 calories and 14 grams of protein per 12-piece serving.

“Athens is thrilled to introduce our brand-new gluten-free phyllo bites in retail supermarkets and grocers,” said Chase Ames, vice-president of sales and marketing at Athens Foods. “Often you find gluten-free products sacrifice taste or texture once the gluten is removed from the equation. We’re thrilled to present an alternative that is just as crisp and delicious as any traditional phyllo dough snack.”

Available in the frozen section of select grocery stores nationwide, new Athens gluten-free phyllo bites retail for $4.99 to $5.49 per 5-oz, 12-piece box.