The market for gluten-free foods reached $8.8 billion in 2014, a 63% increase from 2012 numbers, according to recent data from research firm Mintel. In addition, according to Mintel, 22% of Americans currently follow a gluten-free diet, compared to only 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,” says Amanda Topper, a 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 [opportunity for innovation], 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, Mintel concluded. Gluten-free snacks increased 163% from 2012 to 2014, reaching sales of $2.8 billion. Sales increases were mainly due to a 456% increase in potato chip sales.
The meats/meat alternatives segment is the second-largest gluten-free food segment in terms of sales, hitting $1.6 billion in 2014, 14% higher than in 2012. In that same period, the bread products and cereals segment saw a gain of 43%, to $1.3 billion last year. Bread and cereal are ripe for gluten-free growth, with only 1% of that segment considered gluten-free.
“Gluten-free products appeal to a wide audience; 41% of adults agree they are beneficial for everyone, not only those with a gluten allergy, intolerance or sensitivity,” Topper adds. “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.”
Despite the rising numbers, not everyone believes gluten-free is here to stay. Forty-four percent of people surveyed in 2014 said they think gluten-free diets are a fad; only 33% of those surveyed in 2013 answered this way.