Gluten-Free Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Bakery and Confectionery Products, Baby Food, Meat and Poultry, Ready-to-Eat Foods, Cereals and Snacks, Prepared Foods, Pasta and Rice, Dessert and Ice-cream, Condiments Spreads, Other Gluten-Free Products), By Form (Solid, Liquid), By Source (Plant, Animal), By Distribution Channel (Store-based Retail, Convenience Store, Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global gluten-free products market size was valued at USD 6.95 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 14.90 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.85% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The global gluten-free products market is primarily driven by the surging incidence of celiac disease, in which patients lose their ability to digest gluten. Also, there has been a rise in the incidence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity among consumers, further driving the global market growth. Moreover, the key players in the market are developing and improving innovative products for gluten-sensitive consumers, thereby creating opportunities for market development.

Gluten is a protein found in barley, wheat, rye, and related grains such as the wheat-rye hybrid triticale. This protein acts as an adhesive, binding dough and mixtures together while providing shape and structure. Gluten-free products are food products devoid of gluten. Gluten is eliminated from a gluten-free diet. However, gluten-free alternatives can be utilized to enjoy traditionally sticky meals.

Gluten-free products cater to individuals with celiac illness, gluten sensitivity, or those opting for a gluten-free diet due to health concerns. Typical gluten-free items are bread, pasta, cereal, snacks, and baked goods crafted from substitute flour such as rice flour, almond flour, coconut flour, or tapioca flour. Several companies now provide diverse gluten-free choices to meet the growing demand for these products.

Highlights

• Bakery and confectionery products dominate the type segment
• Animal dominates the source segment
• Hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate the distribution channel segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Gluten-Free Products Market Drivers:

Increasing Prevalence of Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Celiac disorder, an autoimmune illness, hinders the digestion of gluten-containing meals. The increasing incidence of celiac disease is a key driver of market expansion. The study "Global Prevalence of Celiac Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis 2017" found that celiac disease affects 1.4% of the global population. The prevalence rates of celiac disease were 0.8% in Europe and Oceania, 0.5% in Africa and North America, 0.6% in Asia, and 0.4% in South America.

Another important factor driving the market's growth is the increasing frequency of non-celiac gluten sensitivity among consumers. Gluten sensitivity is a medical disorder that occurs as a result of ingesting gluten. Symptoms in the stomach or extraintestinal area are only alleviated by eliminating gluten-containing items from the diet. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data shows a growing trend of gluten avoidance among individuals who do not have celiac disease. Moreover, the number of celiac diagnoses has been increasing over time. This situation will enhance the gluten-free products market.

Global Gluten-Free Products Market Restraint:

Not Suitable for Everyone

Gluten-free products affect individuals differently and may be harmful to some. Many gluten-free products are deficient in dietary fiber, which can result in digestive problems like constipation, stomachache, and bloating. A gluten-free diet may cause deficiencies in essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, riboflavin, fiber, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, zinc, and niacin.

A 2017 research study in the BMJ found that those who consume gluten-free products habitually without having celiac disease are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular illness in the long run. Constipation is a frequent consequence of following a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free products, including bread, rolls, muffins, pizzas, and cakes, are heavily processed with extra sugar and fat, leading to weight gain in certain people. The adverse associations of gluten-free products among some people are expected to hinder the expansion of the gluten-free products market.

Global Gluten-Free Products Market Opportunities:

Launch of Novel Products

Manufacturers have improved the taste and quality of gluten-free options while broadening their product lines in response to the rising demand for gluten-free goods. For instance, in December 2023, Campbell Soup Co. diversified its product range by launching two new gluten-free cooking soups. Based on Campbell consumer survey findings, the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken variations are targeted towards the approximately 20% of American consumers on gluten-free diets. The condensed soups will be available in retail stores nationwide during the summer, with an anticipated retail price of USD 1.99.

Similarly, in December 2023, Oreo, a brand under Mondelez International, Inc., is introducing gluten-free golden cookies, the newest product in its gluten-free line. One is the peanut butter Cakesters, chocolate soft snack cakes filled with peanut butter flavor crème, which will be permanently added to the Oreo product line. The other product is black and white cookies, consisting of golden Oreo cookies with chocolate and vanilla crème filling, available for a limited time until supplies run out. Such launches are anticipated to create opportunities for market expansion.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global gluten-free products market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global gluten-free products market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. North America leads the global gluten-free products market due to the region's high incidence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance. For instance, according to Beyond Celiac, approximately 1 in 133 Americans, or around 1% of the population, has celiac disease. Recent screening studies suggest a prevalence higher than 1% in the United States. The United States and Canada significantly contribute to market growth due to rising consumer awareness, a well-developed retail infrastructure, and a wide variety of gluten-free products available.

Moreover, major market participants and continuous product advancements contribute to the regional market growth. For instance, in February 2024, Cannibble Foodtech Ltd., a food technology company specializing in alternative proteins, received a CAD 10,000 trial order from a California-based food distributor for Kosher for Passover gluten-free pita bread, hot dog buns, and hamburger buns. The company strives to provide Kosher for Passover baked goods to more US food distributors by Passover 2024. Therefore, all these factors contribute to the growth of the North American gluten-free products market.

Europe is also a major market for gluten-free products. The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France are significant markets in the region, known for their increasing health awareness and a growing population of gluten-sensitive consumers. As per the Association of European Coeliac Societies, over 7 million individuals in Europe have celiac disease, and the regional market offers more than 12,000 gluten-free items. Strict laws on food labeling and allergen management enhance customer trust in European gluten-free products.

Moreover, industry participants in the region are implementing strategic measures to succeed in the fiercely competitive market. For instance, in August 2023, Dr. Schär acquired The Hero Group's Semper gluten-free business in the Nordics. The agreement encompasses Hero's gluten-free crisp bread facility in Korsnäs, Sweden. This is expected to stimulate the expansion of the regional market.

Segmental Analysis

The global gluten-free products market is segmented by type, form, source, and distribution channel.

Based on type, the global gluten-free products market is bifurcated into bakery and confectionery products, baby food, meat and poultry, ready-to-eat foods, cereals and snacks, prepared food, pasta and rice, dessert and ice-cream, condiments spread, and other gluten-free products. 

The bakery and confectionery products segment dominates the global market. Gluten-free bakery and confectionery products are items that are made without using gluten-containing ingredients. Gluten-free bakery products include bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. These products are typically made using alternative flour and ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, rice flour, tapioca flour, and gluten-free oats. Confectionery products, like candies, chocolates, and desserts, can also be made gluten-free by carefully selecting ingredients and avoiding any potential sources of gluten contamination.

Moreover, many confectionery manufacturers now offer gluten-free options to cater to the rising demand for gluten-free products among consumers with dietary restrictions. The market players are also involved in strategic initiatives, thereby driving this segment's growth. For instance, in June 2022, Gluten-free bakery Genius Foods was acquired by Katjes Greenfood, the investment arm of German confectionery group Katjes.

Based on form, the global gluten-free products market is divided into solid and liquid gluten-free products.

Liquid gluten-free products are food or beverage items that do not contain gluten and are in liquid form. These products can include various items such as beverages, soups and broths, condiments, smoothies and shakes, etc. Several market players from the conventional beverage industry are entering the gluten-free market. For instance, in March 2021, Arctic Blue Beverages introduced Arctic Blue Oat, a vegan and gluten-free liqueur crafted from organic Finnish oats. This is expected to propel the segment growth.

Based on the source, the global gluten-free products market is segmented into plant and animal. 

The animal segment owns the highest market share. Meat and poultry are naturally gluten-free products, and their consumption is expected to rise during the assessment period. As per the Australian Department of Agriculture, global meat consumption increased by 58% over the past 20 years and reached 360 million tons by 2018. China's meat consumption rose by 72% between 1998 and 2018, contributing about 34% of the global increase in consumption. There has been an increase in the average annual meat consumption per person; the U.S. leads this growth momentum with 120 kg per person. This is expected to propel the segment's expansion.

Based on the distribution channel, the global gluten-free products market is divided into store-based retail, convenience stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets, specialty stores, and online retail. 

The hypermarkets and supermarkets segment accounts for a significant market share. Growing consumer awareness and demand for gluten-free options are driving notable growth in the hypermarkets and supermarkets segment of the gluten-free products market. These massive retail stores serve customers with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and those following gluten-free diets for medical reasons by providing an extensive range of gluten-free products.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets aid several enterprises in reaching their customers and creating a brand identity. These markets are generally located in big cities, where consumers can purchase fresh produce right from manufacturers or wholesalers. There has been an increase in the number of gluten-free products, which has increased the shelf space allocated to these products in supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Impact of covid-19

People's lives and companies were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide. During the COVID-19 outbreak, delivery service companies confront several obstacles. Due to the tight restrictions, more people are purchasing online. In response, e-commerce and online retail & grocery enterprises faced a big issue in delivering groceries on time. By assigning delivery executives optimal routes, route optimization software helped to reduce vehicle idling time and enhance delivery executive productivity, therefore promoting the route optimization software business during the pandemic crisis.

Recent Developments

• October 2023- Last Crumb, a high-end cookie brand, introduced its initial line of gluten-free cookies. The gluten-free line will be released in limited quantities online in April for customers who register on the brand's website, similar to their regular non-gluten-free products.
• July 2023- Gluten Free Easy, a company operated and owned by women, introduced its products for retail distribution following several years of selling directly to consumers. Gluten-Free Easy specializes in gluten-free frozen dough products, such as puff pastry squares and sheets, pita dough, and pizza dough.