01.04.15
It seems grocery shelves are exploding with gluten-free choices, due in part to greater awareness and perceived health benefits of a gluten-free diet, resulting from increased diagnoses of celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities. Recent Mintel research showed the gluten-free food market is estimated to reach sales of $8.8 billion in 2014, representing an increase of 63% from 2012.
“Overall, the gluten-free food market continues to thrive off those who must maintain a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, as well as those who perceive gluten-free foods to be healthier or more natural,” said Amanda Topper, food analyst at Mintel. “The category will continue to grow in the near term, especially as FDA regulations make it easier for consumers to purchase gluten-free products and trust the manufacturers who make them. Despite strong growth over the last few years, there is still innovation opportunity, especially in food segments that typically contain gluten.”
All gluten-free food segments increased in the past year, though the snacks segment increased the most. Gluten-free snacks increased 163% from 2012-2014, reaching sales of $2.8 billion. Sales increases were mainly due to a 456% increase in potato chip sales. Meanwhile, the meats/meat alternatives segment is the second-largest gluten-free food segment in terms of sales, reaching $1.6 billion in 2014, a 14% increase from 2012. The bread products and cereals segment saw gains of 43% during that same time period, and is set to reach $1.3 billion this year. Bread and cereal are ripe for gluten-free growth with only 1% of the overall segment termed gluten-free.
“Gluten-free products appeal to a wide audience; 41% of U.S. adults agree they are beneficial for everyone, not only those with a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. In response, food manufacturers offering either gluten-free alternatives or existing products with a gluten-free label have increased dramatically over the last several years,” said Ms. Topper.
However, it seems not everyone is convinced of health benefits. While 33% of survey respondents in 2013 agreed that “gluten-free diets are a fad,” the number increased to 44% of Americans in 2014. However, that hasn’t slowed popularity—22% of Americans currently follow a gluten-free diet, compared to 15% in 2013.
“Overall, the gluten-free food market continues to thrive off those who must maintain a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, as well as those who perceive gluten-free foods to be healthier or more natural,” said Amanda Topper, food analyst at Mintel. “The category will continue to grow in the near term, especially as FDA regulations make it easier for consumers to purchase gluten-free products and trust the manufacturers who make them. Despite strong growth over the last few years, there is still innovation opportunity, especially in food segments that typically contain gluten.”
All gluten-free food segments increased in the past year, though the snacks segment increased the most. Gluten-free snacks increased 163% from 2012-2014, reaching sales of $2.8 billion. Sales increases were mainly due to a 456% increase in potato chip sales. Meanwhile, the meats/meat alternatives segment is the second-largest gluten-free food segment in terms of sales, reaching $1.6 billion in 2014, a 14% increase from 2012. The bread products and cereals segment saw gains of 43% during that same time period, and is set to reach $1.3 billion this year. Bread and cereal are ripe for gluten-free growth with only 1% of the overall segment termed gluten-free.
“Gluten-free products appeal to a wide audience; 41% of U.S. adults agree they are beneficial for everyone, not only those with a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity. In response, food manufacturers offering either gluten-free alternatives or existing products with a gluten-free label have increased dramatically over the last several years,” said Ms. Topper.
However, it seems not everyone is convinced of health benefits. While 33% of survey respondents in 2013 agreed that “gluten-free diets are a fad,” the number increased to 44% of Americans in 2014. However, that hasn’t slowed popularity—22% of Americans currently follow a gluten-free diet, compared to 15% in 2013.
