According to MarketsandMarkets, the global gluten-free food market is projected to grow from USD 7.70 billion in 2024 to USD 11.48 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% during this period.
Market Drivers:
- Increased Diagnosis of Celiac Disease and Food Allergies: A rise in the diagnosis of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders has led to greater demand for gluten-free foods.
- Growing Health Awareness: Consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of including nutritive and free-from foods in their daily diets, contributing to the market’s growth.
- Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): The increasing occurrence of IBS has driven consumers toward gluten-free food as a potential management strategy.
- Availability in Retail Stores: The expanding presence of gluten-free foods in organized retail stores has made them more accessible to consumers.
Opportunities:
- Product Innovation: Companies are focusing on developing new gluten-free foods to cater to diverse consumer preferences, including introducing items like gluten-free snacks and ready-to-eat meals.
- Health and Wellness Trends: The rising trend of health consciousness and the pursuit of healthier eating habits present opportunities for market expansion.
Future Outlook:
- The gluten-free food market is expected to continue expanding, driven by health trends, innovation, and retail expansion.
- Plant-based, organic, and functional gluten-free foods will gain popularity.
- Advances in food science and ingredient sourcing will improve the taste, texture, and affordability of gluten-free options.
- Increased government regulations and labeling standards will further shape the market dynamics.
Overall, the gluten-free food industry presents strong growth opportunities, particularly in health-conscious consumer segments and emerging markets.
Drivers: Rising diagnosis of celiac disease and other food allergies
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology reported in January 2022 that the prevalence of celiac disease is approximately 1% globally. Treating celiac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet, which drives the market.In 2020, The American College of Gastroenterology reported that the increasing incidence of celiac disease over the years, with a sharp increase in females and children globally, has further contributed to the market’s growth. The rise in self-diagnosed gluten-sensitive consumers and health-conscious individuals contributes to the market growth. First-degree relatives of celiac disease patients are also maintained on gluten-free diets without testing, thus boosting the market.Overall, the rise in sales of gluten-free products is attributed to higher consumer awareness of celiac disease, an overall increase in the incidence of gluten-related disorders, and rising health consciousness. This leads to increased availability of gluten-free products, contributing to market growth.
Opportunities: Adoption of microencapsulation technology to improve shelf life of gluten-free products
The adoption of microencapsulation technology to improve the shelf life of gluten-free products presents a great opportunity for the gluten-free products market. Microencapsulation technology refers to the process of protecting sensitive ingredients, such as gluten-free flours and additions, by placing them in a coating that protects them from oxidation, moisture absorption, or flavor degradation. This helps not only in the enhancement of stability and freshness in gluten-free products but also in the reduction of the usage of artificial preservatives, meeting the demand from consumers for clean-label products. The extended shelf life from microencapsulation can reduce waste, enhance distribution efficiency, and extend the market reach to make gluten-free products more acceptable and desirable to the mass market. This development gives the manufacturers a competitive edge in the rapidly growing gluten-free products market.
Based on type, bakery products accounted for the largest market share in 2023
Based on type, bakery products dominate the gluten-free market because of their broad consumption and vital intake in daily diets, including bread, cakes, cookies, etc. The surging demand for gluten-free alternatives has influenced innovation in the segment; hence, high-quality, better-for-you products with improved taste, texture, and nutritional benefits are now available with more variety. These products are mainly prepared using whole grains, seeds, and alternative flours. Hence, they appeal to health-oriented customers who seek nutritious and gluten-free foods. The convenience and versatility of gluten-free bakery products in fresh, frozen, and packaged goods formats also drive the demand, thus contributing to the market growth. Their wide acceptance and accessibility also fuel the market growth.
Conventional stores in the distribution channel segment is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period
Conventional stores, which comprise supermarkets, hypermarkets, and internet retailers, are expected to dominate the gluten-free products market during the forecast period. Their comprehensive accessibility, convenience, and extensive range of products make them the primary choice among consumers seeking gluten-free food. In-person shopping is convenient and offered through supermarkets and hypermarkets. However, online shopping offers benefits such as doorstep delivery and a wide range of products. The rising number of gluten-sensitive consumers compels traditional stores to expand their inventory of gluten-free items.
Recent Developments of Gluten-free Products Market Industry
- In July 2024, the flavors of Ore-Ida and GoodPop, brands of The Kraft Heinz Company, joined forces with frozen novelties in the creation of Fudge n’ Vanilla French Fry Pops, which is manufactured using vanilla oat milk, a chocolate fudge shell, crispy potato bits. With strategic placement into the gluten-free category, these two innovative, first-of-their-kind products were expected to place the companies in an excellent position to meet the increasing consumer demand for unique and allergen-friendly snacks.
- In March 2024, Garden Veggie, The Hain Celestial Group’s brand, introduced Flavor Burst Tortilla Chips. These gluten-free tortilla chips were expected to be available in vegetable-infused flavors like Nacho Cheese and Zesty Ranch. This innovation is expected to help the company grow by providing consumers with healthy and nutritious gluten-free snacking options.
