The global gluten-free products market size is expected to reach USD 13.7 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2022 to 2030. The rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases has favored in driving the product demand. Manufacturers and marketers are linking new product developments with other rising trends in the food and beverage industry, which is aiding gluten-free foods to gain traction. Clean labeling, transparent packaging, and the incorporation of plant proteins are among these developments, thereby driving the market.

The U.S. is one of the major consumers of gluten-free products as, on average, one in every 133 people suffers from celiac disease, and one in every 56 people experiences similar symptoms. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder distinguished by gluten intolerance. Celiac disease patients can only avoid these symptoms by following a gluten-free diet. However, despite not being diagnosed with gluten sensitivity, the gluten-free diet has grown in popularity in recent years, with an increasing number of individuals opting for it. The market is predominantly driven by consumers’ perception that a gluten-free diet will ensure significant health benefits such as reduced cardiovascular risks and weight control.

The bakery products segment held the largest revenue share in 2021 and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The elevated demand is due to the widespread notion that gluten-free baked goods are healthier than typical wheat flour baked goods. Gluten-free foods have a low GI and are low in calories. This aids in weight loss and obesity prevention by giving more energy than traditional baked goods. This dominance of bakery products is expected to sustain market growth during the forecast period.

GLOBAL GLUTEN-FREE BREAD MARKET 

The global gluten-free bread market is estimated at USD 616.3 Million in 2022 and is forecast to surpass USD 1,506 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2022 to 2032.

The global gluten-free bread market is likely to create an absolute dollar opportunity of USD 890.2 Million by the end of 2032. The global gluten-free bread market holds 14% of the global gluten-free products market.

2017-2021 Global Gluten-Free Bread Market Outlook in Comparison to 2022-2032 Growth Forecast

Over the past decade, food consumption trends have witnessed a drastic change owing to the evolving consumer preference. In recent years, growing concerns over gluten intolerance and sensitivity has led to high demand for gluten-free products such as gluten-free breads. In addition, the multiple benefits of gluten-free bread including, weight loss, improved digestive health, reduction in cholesterol levels, and prevention of fatal diseases has boosted the demand for gluten-free bread especially in the developed regions such as North America and Europe.

In the current scenario, bakery manufacturers worldwide have increased the production of gluten-free bread owing to the rise in demand for gluten-free products. Besides, several credible studies have revealed that 1/133 person in the US suffers from a coeliac disease in which gluten consumption could lead to severe health complications. Thus, the growing health concerns among consumers has steadily accelerated the demand for gluten-free breads in recent years.

Manufacturers are deploying novel techniques to enhance product quality and gain a strong foothold in the current market landscape. In addition, the advent of an array of gluten-free products along with rising awareness regarding the benefits of gluten-free diet is expected to drive market growth in the coming years.

Fact.MR projects the gluten-free bread market is expected to witness exhibiting growth at 9.3% CAGR during 2022 and 2032 in comparison to a CAGR of 6.8% with which it grew from 2017 and 2021.

PROVISION OF BENEFITS TO SUPPORT MARKET DEMAND

Gluten-free bread has been rising in popularity in the recent times, due to growing concerns regarding gluten intolerance and sensitivity. Apart for eliminating such risks, gluten-free bread is largely consumed for its benefits in digestive health, cholesterol level, weight loss, and in preventing the risk of several diseases. Bread is considered to be a staple food in various regions across the world which in turn is likely to influence the development of gluten-free bread market. In addition, emerging trends of serving gluten-free foods in various events and communion is expected to create potential growth prospects of the gluten-free bread market.

Many bakery manufacturers have started to introduce gluten-free bread in their product line which in turn is anticipated to enhance the lucrativeness of the market. In addition, increasing adoption of gluten-free diet even by the people without celiac disease because of gluten causing intestinal symptoms is expected to directly influence the demand for gluten-free bread. Continued focus of manufacturers on improving the product quality and shelf life will possibly accelerate the gluten-free bread market growth.

Rising awareness regarding the consumption of gluten-free diet and introduction of novel product varieties by manufacturers are some of the key factors influencing market growth. 

Present in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, gluten is a composite of storage proteins that are stored in the endosperm of the grains. The proteins are capable of irritating as well as damaging the intestinal villi which leads to medical complications such as prevention of nutrient absorption, bloating, wind, fatigue, low blood count and osteoporosis.

This severe implications are categorized into coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy. While coeliac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is referred to as intestinal sensitivity to gluten whereas wheat allergy refers to as immune reaction to any of the hundreds of protein present in wheat.

As in-depth understanding of these diseases is lacking, consumption of gluten-free diet is the only available approach available for the patients. Owing to which, manufacturers, especially bakery producers have launched plethora of gluten-free products. As the effective treatment for gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity is yet to be discovered, demand for gluten-free products including gluten-free bread is likely to increase in future.

Past few decades have witnessed dramatic rise in number of people suffering from coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Partly due to spread of awareness regarding physiological effects of gluten diet, diagnosis of the disease has increased. Further, people have become more aware of gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy than before. This has led to development of trend where consumers consciously monitor their quantities of gluten intake in their diet. They prefer food products that are highly monitored for their ingredients. Such products include gluten-free bread.

In addition, several research studies have revealed improvement or total reversal of intestinal health with a regularly monitored gluten-free diet among gluten sensitive as well as gluten intolerant patients. Bread being a staple food across major world regions, demand for gluten-free bread is set to rise in future.

NEW INNOVATIONS 

With the rising demand for gluten free products, bakery manufacturers have introduced a variety of gluten free breads. Time pressed consumers are seeking for shorter meal preparation time as well as allergen-free food alternatives.

The global gluten-free bread market is highly fragmented and competitive owing to the existence of many domestic and regional players. Various marketing strategies are adopted by key players such as mergers and acquisitions, expansions, collaborations and partnerships. Also, new product development as a strategic approach is adopted by the leading companies to upscale their market presence among consumers. These strategies have resulted in the manufacturing of gluten-free bread.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON GLUTEN FREE FOOD MARKET

After the onset of COVID-19, the food supply chain was severely disrupted due to stringent lockdown restrictions across the globe, which hampered the availability of gluten free food. Thus, supply shortage of gluten free food products impeded market growth during the initial stages of the pandemic. However, with widespread immunization drives, declining cases, and prominent government focus on accelerating economic recovery, the gluten free food market has been regaining its pre-COVID momentum gradually.