Buy Now
Gluten-Free Food Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Product Type, By Distribution Channel (Retail Stores, E-Commerce Platforms, Foodservice (HORECA), By Ingredient Type, By Packaging Type and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031
Pages: 120 | Base Year: 2023 | Release: January 2025 | Author: Versha V.
The global gluten-free food market size was valued at USD 6.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 6.52 billion in 2024 to USD 10.49 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.03% during the forecast period. The market is experiencing steady growth due to surging consumer reliance on processed food items and increasing health consciousness.
In the scope of work, the report includes services offered by companies such as Alara Wholefoods Ltd., Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A, Conagra Brands, Inc., Ecotone, Freedom Foods Group Limited, General Mills Inc., The Hain Celestial Group, Kellogg Co., The Kraft Heinz Company, Seitz glutenfrei, and others.
The implementation of favorable government policies is boosting the gluten-free food market. These initiatives focus on raising awareness about gluten intolerance, celiac disease, and health benefits of these food products. For instance, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a statutory body of the Government of India, has launched various food products at reasonable prices.
Through this initiative, government is promoting the availability of affordable gluten-free products, including millet malts, biscuits, peanut butter, peanut butter, and khichadi while ensuring the production of safe and high-quality options.
Rising consumer inclination towards free-from food is propelling growth of the market. Gluten free food products emerged as popular choice for people who are suffering with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, and for individuals who prioritize dietary transparency. Surging awareness of the potential health benefits of gluten-free diets, such as improved digestion and reduced inflammation, elevated demand for these foods. Furthermore, manufacturers in market are introducing products to cater increasing consumer demand.
Gluten is a protein found in rye, barley, and wheat. Individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease often opt for gluten-free foods, including vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, lentils, and potatoes. These foods offer benefits such as increased energy, improved health, and weight management. The rising number of working professionals has fueled the demand for gluten-free products.
Analyst’s Review
The rising prevalence of gluten-related diseases, increasing health consciousness among consumers, and surging cases of celiac disease and gluten intolerance are prompting companies to focus on producing gluten-free products. These include ready-to-eat foods, bakery items, cereals, bars, and nutrient-rich products.
In response to the fast-paced lifestyles particularly in developed economies, companies are emphasizing the production of gluten-free packaged foods. Technological advancements, such as annealing and extrusion cooking, are enhancing the quality and efficiency of gluten-free food production, including cereals, bakery products, pasta, noodles, and pizza.
Companies are further investing in functional ingredients such as plant-based proteins, and probiotics, which is contributing significantly to market expansion.
The rising prevalence of celiac disease is fostering the growth of the gluten-free food market. Celiac disease, a prevalent autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, affects millions worldwide. Surging awareness of gluten intolerance and related disorders has prompted consumers to seek products that meet their specific dietary needs.
Growing awareness of health and an increase in diagnosis have led to increased adoption of gluten-free diets, fueling market growth. This expanding consumer base has further fostered innovation and prompted food manufacturers to offer high-quality gluten-free products.
The gluten-free food market faces challenges due to higher production costs of specialized ingredients, dedicated manufacturing processes, and separate facilities to prevent cross-contamination. These costs result in higher retail prices for consumers, limiting market growth, particularly in price-sensitive economies where cost plays a significant role in purchasing decisions.
The gluten-free food market is witnessing substantial growth, primarily due to increasing brand offerings. This growth is further supported by a global presence of companies expanding their product portfolios through new product launches and expanded manufacturing capacity.
Food manufacturers are launching products such as baked goods, snacks, pasta, and beverages, to cater to health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, the surge in online shopping and specialty stores has made these products more accessible.
The growing demand for healthier products, aided by evolving consumer lifestyles, is fostering the growth of the gluten-free food market. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing health-conscious eating habits due to growing health and wellness trends. Hectic lifestyle and increasing prevalence of health issues such as diabetes and obesity are prompting consumers to opt for natural and cleaner food products.
Gluten-free diets, once limited to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, are gaining immense popularity among a wider audience seeking benefits such as improved digestion and energy levels. In response, manufacturers are introducing new food products to meet the changing consumer preferences.
The global market has been segmented based on product type, distribution channel, ingredient type, packaging type, and geography.
Based on product type, the market has been categorized into bakery products, snacks & RTE (ready-to-eat) products, pasta & noodles, dairy & frozen desserts, condiments & dressings, and meat substitutes. The bakery products segment led the gluten-free food industry in 2023, reaching a valuation of USD 1.92 billion.
The increasing consumption of bakery products is leading to growing demand for fast lifestyle options such as breads, pastries, cookies, and bakery mixes. These products are gaining popularity due to their clean-label status, attributed to natural and organic ingredients. Moreover, there is a rising demand for these products among health-conscious individuals and gluten-intolerant individuals, prompting manufacturers to introduce new gluten-free bakery items.
Based on distribution channel, the market has been segmented into retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and foodservice (HORECA). The retail stores segment captured the largest share of 54.25% in 2023. These stores offer a wide range of food products across numerous brands and price categories, providing greater accessibility.
As there is an increasing shift toward e-commerce, the number of online retailers is increasing. To attract consumers, store owners are offering incentives such as bulk purchasing schemes and discounts on prices.
Based on ingredient type, the market has been categorized into rice-based, corn-based, almond-based, coconut-based, and others. The rice-based segment is expected to garner the highest revenue of USD 3.69 billion by 2031. Rice-based products are utilized as a substitute for wheat-based products. These products are rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and other nutrients.
Rice-based products such as noodles, flour, and snacks are essential to gluten-free diets, as rice is naturally gluten-free and easy to digest. The rising occurrence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance has increased consumption of rice-based products, thus propelling segmental growth.
Based on packaging type, the market has been bifurcated into flexible packaging and rigid packaging. The flexible packaging segment is anticipated to witness the highest revenue of USD 7.23 billion by 2031. Flexible packaging solutions such as bags, wraps, and pouches are favored for their lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and ability to maintain the freshness and quality of these food products.
The growth of e-commerce has increased the demand for durable flexible packaging to ensure product safety. Manufacturers are incorporating eco-friendly packaging materials and sustainable packaging solutions to meet the surging consumer demand.
Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.
North America gluten-free food market accounted for the largest share of 35.72% in 2023, valued at USD 2.19 billion. This dominance is largely reinforced by the growing awareness of gluten related health conditions, such as gluten intolerance and celiac disease, along with a rising demand for gluten-free foods. The rising shift towards healthier lifestyles and heightened health consciousness among consumers further supports this trend. Product advancements further contribute to the growth of the regional market.
Asia-Pacific gluten-free food market is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.62% over the forecast period. Rising disposable income, increasing health-consciousness, and shifting dietary preferences are supporting this growth. Region is witnessing higher internet penetration and a growing e-commerce sector. Australia and India are among the top countries with rising incidences of celiac diseases, particularly in North India, where wheat is primary staple.
The global gluten-free food market report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions.
Companies are implementing impactful strategic initiatives, such as expanding services, investing in research and development (R&D), establishing new service delivery centers, and optimizing their service delivery processes, which are likely to create new opportunities for market growth.
Key Industry Developments
By Product Type
By Distribution Channel
By Ingredient Type
By Packaging Type
By Region
