Gluten-free Products Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Bakery Products, Frozen Desserts, Snacks), Source (Plant, Animal), Form (Solid, Liquid), Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Modern Groceries) - Global Forecast to 2031

The Gluten-free Products Market was valued at $6.75 billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $13.08 billion by 2031 from an estimated $7.27 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Gluten-free Products Market Size & Forecast

The growth of this market is driven by the rising incidence of celiac disease and other food allergies, health benefits associated with gluten-free products, increasing demand among millennials, and the growing prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, the growing awareness of food intolerances and the expanding use of microencapsulation technology are expected to create significant growth opportunities in the market.

Key Findings in the Gluten-free Products Market

• By Type: In 2024, the Bakery Products Segment to Dominate the Gluten-free Products Market
• By Source: In 2024, the Plant-sourced Gluten-free Products Segment is Expected to Dominate the Gluten-free Products Market
• By Form: In 2024, the Solid Form Segment is Expected to Dominate the Gluten-free Products Market
• By Distribution Channel: In 2024, the Convenience Stores Segment is Expected to Dominate the Gluten-free Products Market
• By Geography: Europe to Dominate the Gluten-free Products Market in 2024

Gluten-free Products Market Trends

Rising Incidence of Celiac Disease and Other Food Allergies

Gluten intolerance or celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine. It is genetically predisposed and occurs from infancy onward. Symptoms include pain and discomfort in the intestine & stomach, diarrhea, anemia, and fatigue. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation (2020), the incidence of celiac disease has increased at an average annual rate of 7.5% over the past several decades. This rise in the incidence is also attributed to a real increase in this autoimmune disorder, irrespective of disease detection.

Over the past few decades, the incidence of celiac disease has risen significantly in many Western countries. In the 21st century, women and children have been more frequently diagnosed with celiac disease than men. Specifically, the incidence among women was 17.4 cases per 100,000 persons per year, meaning that for every 100,000 people observed over a year, more than 17 would be diagnosed with the condition. In comparison, the incidence among men was 7.8 per 100,000 persons per year. Among children, the incidence was 21.3 per 100,000 persons per year, while for adults, it was lower at 12.9 per 100,000 persons per year.

Currently, the only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. By eliminating gluten, the small intestine can heal, leading to significant improvements in health. This necessity for a gluten-free diet is a key driver behind the increasing demand for gluten-free products. In addition to the rising prevalence of celiac disease, the growing occurrence of other conditions, such as wheat allergies, inflammatory diseases, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, further contributes to the demand for gluten-free alternatives. Government awareness campaigns and the implementation of gluten-free product labeling also play a pivotal role in encouraging consumers to embrace gluten-free diets. Consequently, the increasing incidence of celiac disease and other food allergies is propelling the growth of the gluten-free products market.

Growing Healthy Snacking Options

Well-being has become a global movement as consumers increasingly prioritize long-term health, particularly considering rising average life expectancies. Over the past decade, industrialization, urbanization, economic development, and globalization have driven rapid changes in diets and lifestyles, which have had a significant impact on health and nutritional status, particularly in developing countries. These shifts underscore the growing demand for healthier products and lifestyle choices that promote overall well-being.

The global population is growing rapidly. According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the world’s population is projected to increase by 75 million people annually or 1.1%, reaching an estimated 9.9 billion by 2050—up 33% from the estimated 7.4 billion in 2017. This population growth will drive a significant rise in the demand for high-nutritional snack products. As a result, the need for healthier snack options to accommodate this growing population is expected to further boost the demand for gluten-free snack products.

As consumers' interest in better nutrition continues to grow, so does their demand for healthier snack options. There is a significant surge in the need for snacks that cater to specific dietary requirements, including gluten-free products. Consumers are particularly focused on snacks with low sugar and low-fat content. In fact, two in five people are now actively seeking healthy snacks either all or most of the time.

In response to this demand, many food companies are expanding their portfolios to offer a broader range of healthier snack options, including gluten-free varieties. Additionally, small, independent companies are emerging, specializing in healthy snacks that cater to specific consumer needs and preferences. This shift in consumer behavior is driving the demand for snacks that promote better health, particularly those that are low in fat, cholesterol-free, protein-rich, weight-control focused, and gluten-free.

Gluten-free Products Market Opportunities

Growing Use of Microencapsulation Technology

Microencapsulation is an advanced food processing technology that involves encapsulating a compound within a specific material to form tiny spheres with diameters ranging from 1 μm to several hundred μm. This technique protects sensitive compounds, ensuring their stable and controlled delivery. In recent years, the food industry has increasingly incorporated functional compounds into products. However, these compounds are often highly susceptible to environmental factors and processing conditions. Microencapsulation technology safeguards these sensitive ingredients, preserving their integrity and effectiveness in the final product.

Gluten-free products often face challenges related to shorter shelf life and suboptimal texture, particularly in the frozen food category. Microencapsulation technology offers a solution by enhancing both the shelf life and texture of gluten-free bakery products. The coatings used in this process are gluten-free, and a variety of gluten-free fruit acids and lactic acid shelf-life extenders are available. These ingredients help prevent premature reactions, ensure consistent and optimal leavening, extend shelf life, and deliver a natural taste and texture. Such technological advancements enable manufacturers of gluten-free products to improve product quality and meet the growing global demand. Additionally, microencapsulation technology has been applied to overcome the cardboard-like consistency of gluten-free pizza crusts and extend the shelf life of gluten-free dough and biscuits.

Thus, the increasing use of microencapsulation technology to enhance the shelf life of gluten-free products is expected to create significant growth opportunities for companies operating in this market.

Gluten-free Products Market Analysis: Top Market Opportunity

The Bakery Products Segment is Expected to Dominate the Gluten-free Products Market in 2024

Based on type, the gluten-free products market is segmented into bakery products, dairy & frozen desserts, snack, savory, and RTE products, pizza & pasta, meat & meat alternatives, condiments & dressings, and other gluten-free products. In 2024, the bakery products segment is expected to account for the largest share of the gluten-free products market. The substantial market share of this segment can be attributed to the growing adoption of gluten-free diets, ongoing innovations in gluten-free bakery products, and the rising demand for healthier bakery options in response to the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions.

However, the snack, savory, and RTE products segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rapid expansion of developing markets, particularly in Asia, driven by high population density, economic growth, rising disposable incomes, liberalized imports, and a growing consumer shift from traditional to Western diets. Additionally, the increasing demand for healthy snacks that offer both nutritional benefits and convenience, along with the rising focus on maintaining healthy body metabolism, is further fueling the growth of this market in the coming years.

Geographical Analysis

Europe Dominates the Gluten-free Products Market in 2024

In 2024, Europe is expected to account for the largest share of the gluten-free products market. This large market share is primarily driven by several factors, including the growing health consciousness among consumers, an increasing number of individuals with wheat intolerance, and the rising prevalence of celiac disease. Additionally, the widespread availability of gluten-free products in most grocery stores, the growing demand for gluten-free bakery items, improvements in distribution channels, and a surge in targeted marketing efforts all contribute to the segment's substantial growth.

Moreover, the Europe gluten-free products market is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the growing demand for convenience foods, such as gluten-free frozen foods and prepared meals.

Key Companies

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key strategic developments that led market participants to adopt over the past three years. The key players profiled in the global gluten-free products market report are The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.), The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (U.S.), General Mills, Inc. (U.S.), Conagra Brands, Inc. (U.S.), Hero Group (Switzerland), Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A. (Italy), Raisio Oyj (Finland), Dr. Schär AG/SPA (Italy), Mondelēz International, Inc. (U.S.), London Food Corporation Limited (U.K.), Alara Wholefoods Ltd. (U.K.), Warburtons Limited (U.K.), Katz Gluten Free (U.S.), Genius Foods (U.K.), Chosen Foods LLC (U.S.), and Silly Yaks (Australia).

Gluten-free Products Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In May 2024, Mondelēz International launched Gluten Free Chips Ahoy! Chocolate chip cookies.
• In April 2024, Warburtons unveiled Gluten-Free Soft Pittas as part of its three-year investment plan to meet consumer demand for a versatile and convenient gluten-free bakery.
• In February 2021, Barilla acquired the Catelli Dry Pasta business in Canada, which includes the Catelli, Lancia, and Splendor brands, and the plant in Montreal (Quebec).

Gluten-free Products Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the gluten-free products market report: