Gluten-free Food Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast for 2024 - 2031

Gluten-free Food Market Size and Share Analysis

The gluten-free food market is estimated to increase from US$ 5.24 Bn in 2024 to US$ 8.31 Bn by 2031. The market is projected to record a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Gluten-free snacks are experiencing significant growth, with energy bars, crackers, and biscuits emerging as popular choices among consumers looking for convenient and nutritious alternatives. Gluten-free bakery products, including bread, cookies, and cakes, dominate the market, representing over 40% of global gluten-free food sales. Gluten-free snacks and beverages are rapidly gaining traction, accounting for over 20% of the market share, driven by high demand for healthy and on-the-go options.

Key Highlights of the Market

• Increasing adoption of gluten-free diets among health-conscious consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, is augmenting market growth, even among those without gluten sensitivities.
• Gluten-free baked goods like bread, cakes, and cookies dominate the market, with significant demand for snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals.
• Online sales of gluten-free products are growing rapidly, with e-commerce set to account for over 20% of total sales by 2025.
• Increasing demand for gluten-free, plant-based, and functional foods is shaping product innovation.
• North America is projected to generate a share of 35% in 2024, driven by increasing urbanization and demand for healthier options.
• In terms of source, the plant-based segment is likely to account for a share of 70% in 2024 amid rising inclination of millennials toward vegan diets.
• Based on product type, the bakery and confectionery segment is anticipated to hold a share of 42% in 2024 as consumers move toward meat substitutes.
• Consumers increasingly seek convenient, nutritious, and gluten-free snacks that align with their active lifestyles and wellness goals.

Market Attributes	Key Insights
Gluten-free Food Market Size (2024E)	US$ 5.24 Bn
Projected Market Value (2031F)	US$ 8.31 Bn
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031)	6.8%
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023)	5.5%

North America Gluten-free Food Market Leads with High Cases of Celiac Disease

North America is anticipated to dominate with a gluten-free food market share of 35% in 2024. Increased awareness of celiac disease among customers in the region and their rising preference for a healthy diet have favorably influenced the market. For instance,

• A survey from Beyond Celiac, a research-focused non-profit on celiac disease, indicated that in 2020, around 1% of the U.S. population were living with celiac disease. It has prompted individuals to transition to alternatives to gluten-based foods to prevent related health issues.

Rising prevalence of obesity among children and adults, coupled with the growing necessity for a healthy lifestyle, has emerged. The Celiac Disease Foundation reports that individuals in the U.S. represent about 0.5 to 1% of celiac disease cases, whereas around 40 million individuals experience gluten sensitivity or intolerance.

Customers are transitioning to baking their bread with gluten-free flour, including amaranth, tapioca, and sorghum due to the widespread use of bread in the region. This transition of the gluten-free baking category into a mainstream segment, along with growing consumer inclination toward the free-from category, is set to enhance regional market growth.

Bakery and Confectionary Companies Launch New Products to Attract Consumers

Category	Market Share in 2024
Product Type- Bakery and Confectionary	42%

Based on product type, the market is classified into bakery and confectionary, snacks and RTE products, dairy products, sauces and dressings, and meat and meat substitutes. Among these, the bakery and confectionary segment dominates the market.

Bakery products are predicted to accumulate the leading portion of the market share owing to the increasing appeal to consumers. Health advocates are set to promote various advantages associated with gluten-free baked products, including cookies, pastries, breads, baking mixes, and others.

Demand for bread items, which are staple meals in Europe and North America, has increased among the gluten-intolerant and health-conscious populations. Consequently, businesses in these locations are introducing new gluten-free baked products that can stimulate market growth. Increasing innovation in the bakery sector across developing economies, including India and China, is expected to facilitate the segment’s expansion.

• In December 2023, Oreo, a brand of Mondelez, introduced gluten-free golden cookies, marking the latest expansion of its product line. These cookies are offered in two primary flavors, namely, chocolate soft snack cakes filled with peanut butter and peanut butter casters.

Plant-based Food Gains Traction Amid Rising Ethical Concerns among Millennials

Category	Market Share in 2024
Source- Plant-based	70%

Based on source, the market is bifurcated into plant-based and animal-based products. Out of these, the plant-based gluten-free food segment dominates the market. The shift toward plant-based diets is gaining momentum globally due to increasing consumer awareness about health, sustainability, and ethical concerns.

People avoiding gluten due to celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or lifestyle choices are turning to plant-based ingredients, which are healthier and more sustainable. Plant-based gluten-free ingredients often provide essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that benefit one’s health. Various plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts, are naturally gluten-free, as these foods form the backbone of the gluten-free diet.

Growing demand for gluten-free options is anticipated to create a high need for plant-based ingredients for producing gluten-free bread, pasta, baked goods, snacks, and other food items. As plants do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, they offer a safe and versatile alternative for gluten-free formulations.

Market Introduction and Trend Analysis

Gluten-free food is specifically formulated for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities, as gluten consumption can cause several harms, including intestinal inflammation. Its popularity is also increasing among individuals without gluten sensitivity due to the health advantages of a gluten-free diet.

It is mainly included in baked goods, providing texture and structure, although the protein has no nutritional value. Consequently, consumers seek to eliminate gluten from their diets since it facilitates healthy weight loss, enhances digestion, and boosts energy levels.

The escalating consumer demand for functional foods and the burgeoning product innovation in ‘free-from’ food categories are anticipated to drive the gluten-free food market growth during the forecast period. Advancements in food technology have led to the development of delectable and inventive gluten-free alternatives, fostering market expansion.

The popularity of gluten-free products among non-celiac individuals as a lifestyle choice has surged the consumer market. The interplay of these elements, with changing dietary preferences and an increasing focus on health and wellness, has profoundly influenced growth of the gluten-free food market. For instance,

• In 2023, brands like General Mills and Nestlé launched new gluten-free snacks, frozen meals, and breakfast cereals targeting celiac patients and health-conscious consumers. The launches were fueled by developments in food technology that allowed for creating more palatable, nutritious, and diverse gluten-free options.

Historical Growth and Course Ahead

The gluten-free food market experienced significant growth during the historical period from 2019 to 2023 with a CAGR of 5.5%. It driven primarily by the increasing prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Initially, the market catered to a niche group of individuals with medical conditions requiring gluten-free diets.

Growth during this period was also fueled by rising awareness of gluten-related disorders and the development of gluten-free alternatives for traditional foods like bread, pasta, and snacks. Brands like General Mills, Nestlé, and Schär were early movers, introducing innovative products that improved the taste and texture of gluten-free foods. However, the market was still largely seen as a specialized segment with limited mainstream appeal, primarily augmented by medical needs.

The market is anticipated to experience a significant surge over the forecast period, boosted by the rising trend of gluten-free diets as a lifestyle choice, not just a medical necessity. Health-conscious consumers increasingly adopt gluten-free products for their perceived health benefits, such as weight management, improved digestion, and energy.

The shift, combined with functional food innovations, broad product offerings, and the growing popularity of plant-based ingredients, will likely help augment the consumer base. Enhanced distribution via e-commerce and the growing trend of clean-label products are also set to contribute to the market's robust growth.

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance to Foster Demand

The global prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity has significantly risen, leading to an increased demand for novel dietary products. Innovations in diagnostic systems and medical research have facilitated the easy diagnosis of diseases among individuals from various countries.

The necessity of avoiding gluten is presently the sole method to prevent gluten allergy and celiac disease, thereby enhancing the demand for gluten-free products. Studies indicate that the incidence of celiac disease is high among children and women, with 21 children and 17 women per 100,000 diagnosed with the condition. 

The Celiac Disease Foundation's report indicates that the prevalence of celiac disease has been rising at a pace of 7.5% annually during recent decades. Several governmental programs aimed at enhancing gluten sensitivity awareness and the rising promotion of gluten-free products in developing nations are anticipated to boost sales.

Surging Demand for Convenience Food Items to Boost Growth

Increasing consumer desire for convenience and ready-to-eat meals, attributed to their simplicity of consumption and preparation, has favorably influenced product demand. Consumers need convenient meals with high nutritional content that is natural and matches their dietary needs without sacrificing taste and flavor.

The primary factor influencing customers' trust in this food category is its capacity to support their health in a fast-paced lifestyle. Increasing population of working women has raised their reliance on convenient ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals, as these options conserve time and provide essential nourishment.

Increasing trend of health-conscious on-the-go eating, particularly among millennials, has prompted convenience food makers to develop premium options, including deli-style snacks and ready meals inspired by global cuisines. This aspect reflects consumers' readiness to explore diverse food options, presenting significant prospects for market expansion over the forecast period. For instance,

• In 2023, Nestlé introduced a new range of gluten-free ready-to-eat meals under its Lean Cuisine brand. It focuses on catering to the growing demand for nutritious and convenient meal options.

Market Restricting Factors

Limited Availability of Essential Ingredients to Hinder Production

A significant restraint to the gluten-free food industry is the limited availability of quality gluten-free ingredients in some regions, particularly in developing countries. While plant-based gluten-free ingredients like rice, quinoa, and corn are widely available, more specialized gluten-free ingredients required for certain food products may not be easily available.

The unavailability of gluten-free oats or sorghum flour is anticipated to create challenges for manufacturers. They are set to find it difficult to source the raw materials needed to produce a wide variety of gluten-free products.

In regions where the gluten-free food industry is still emerging, limited availability and high shipping costs for these specialized ingredients can delay product development and increase the cost of gluten-free foods. As a result, companies may face difficulties in scaling their production to meet growing demand, potentially limiting market growth in these areas.

Key Market Opportunities

Brands Focus on Weight Management and Digestion Benefits to Market Products

One of the most transformative opportunities in the gluten-free food market is the growing consumer shift toward health and wellness. Gluten-free diets were initially adopted for medical reasons, such as managing celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. However, an increasing number of health-conscious consumers, especially millennials, are choosing gluten free cereal as part of a broader lifestyle choice.

Several individuals believe that gluten-free diets offer benefits like improved digestion, enhanced energy, and weight management, even if they do not have gluten-related disorders. This trend creates a significant opportunity for companies to extend their gluten-free offerings beyond traditional foods like bread and pasta.

Healthy gluten-free snacks, beverages, frozen meals, and functional foods that support immunity, gut health, and weight loss are becoming increasingly popular. As consumers seek more personalized and nutritious options, companies that innovate with health-driven ingredients like probiotics, superfoods, and plant-based proteins, will be well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand. For instance,

• In 2023, Kellogg’s extended its gluten-free product lineup with the introduction of gluten-free protein bars that include superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and almonds.

Competitive Landscape for the Gluten-free Food Market

The gluten-free meals industry is highly competitive, with prominent players focusing on innovation, product diversification, and brand positioning to capture superior market shares. General Mills, Nestlé, Kellogg’s, Dr. Schär, and Amy’s Kitchen are key players leading the market with a range of gluten-free products, including snacks, frozen meals, beverages, and baked goods.

Companies are increasingly investing in functional ingredients like probiotics, superfoods, and plant-based proteins to cater to health-conscious consumers. Small-scale, niche players also contribute by offering organic, clean-label, and allergen-free options, creating a competitive environment.

E-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer models are becoming important for market expansion, allowing brands to reach a broader audience. The ongoing trend toward health and wellness continues to shape competition, with brands focusing on innovation, convenience, and quality to differentiate themselves in the crowded marketplace.

Recent Industry Developments

• In February 2024, GOODLES, a U.S.-based food manufacturing company, introduced a line of gluten-free products, including gluten-free Cheddy Mac and gluten-free Vegan Be Heroes pasta.
• In May 2023, Crosta and Mollica, a food and beverage business in London, unveiled its latest innovation- a gluten-free margherita pizza. It is composed of 100% wheat flour and can be an appropriate choice for people adhering to a celiac diet.

Gluten-free Food Market Report Scope

Attributes	Details
Forecast Period	2024 to 2031
Historical Data Available for	2019 to 2023
Market Analysis	US$ Billion for Value
Key Regions Covered	North America Latin America Europe South Asia and Oceania East Asia Middle East and Africa
Key Market Segments Covered	Product Type Source Sales Channel Region
Key Companies Profiled in the Report	The Hain Celestial Group Inc  General Mills  The Kraft Heinz Company  ConAgra Brands Inc  Prima Foods Ltd.  Kellogg’s Company  Hero AG  Alara Wholefoods Ltd.  Raisio PLC  Enjoy Life Foods  Barilla G.E.R Fratelli S.P.A  Freedom Foods Group Limited
Report Coverage	Market Forecast and Trends Company Share Analysis Competitive Intelligence DROT Analysis Market Dynamics and Challenges Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization and Pricing	Available upon request

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