Gluten-Free Food Market Growth Fueled by Health Awareness

 

Gluten-Free Food Market: Share, Trends, and Growth Opportunities through 2032

The global gluten-free food market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by shifting dietary preferences, increased consumer health awareness, and expanding access to clean-label and allergen-free products. From a market size of US$ 6.4 billion in 2025, the gluten-free food industry is projected to reach US$ 10.1 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. This expansion underscores the rise of gluten-free foods as a staple not only for individuals with medical conditions like celiac disease but also for a growing population embracing gluten-free lifestyles for general wellness.

The market’s historical CAGR of 5.6% from 2019 to 2024 laid a strong foundation for its accelerated growth phase projected through 2032. Factors such as the surge in self-diagnosed gluten sensitivity, evolving dietary habits, and a greater emphasis on digestive and metabolic health are reshaping product innovation, especially across bakery, snacks, cereals, and ready-to-eat (RTE) categories.

Key Market Drivers

1. Rising Awareness of Gluten Intolerance

Growing global awareness of gluten-related disorders—especially celiac disease—has been a major driver. Celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, yet only 30% of cases are diagnosed, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. This significant diagnosis gap suggests there is an unmet need for suitable dietary options and educational outreach.

Additionally, a large portion of consumers are avoiding gluten without a formal diagnosis. In the U.S., nearly one-third of people actively attempt to eliminate gluten from their diets. These lifestyle shifts have elevated gluten-free food from a niche category to a mainstream segment, influencing purchasing behavior across supermarkets, foodservice establishments, and e-commerce platforms.

2. Health and Wellness-Focused Consumption

Consumers are increasingly associating gluten-free diets with improved gut health, weight management, and overall wellness. This perception, though not medically required for everyone, has broadened the appeal of gluten-free products, leading to significant market penetration beyond the celiac and gluten-sensitive population.

Key Restraints

Limited Availability of Ingredients

Despite rising demand, the gluten-free food market faces constraints due to the limited availability of essential gluten-free ingredients like quinoa, millet, sorghum, amaranth, and certified gluten-free oats. These crops often suffer from seasonal fluctuations, limited cultivation regions, and regulatory constraints regarding contamination with gluten-based grains. Small and mid-sized producers struggle the most with high procurement costs and uncertain supply chains, potentially reducing their ability to innovate or scale.

Additionally, global supply chain disruptions and climate-related farming challenges continue to pose risks to ingredient availability and cost predictability—particularly in developing regions where sourcing certified ingredients is more complex.

Opportunities in the Market

Positioning Products for Weight Management and Digestive Health

Brands are increasingly marketing their gluten-free offerings around digestive ease and weight management. Gluten-free products made from alternative grains like buckwheat, quinoa, and chia are not only free of gluten but also rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall gut health.

For example, KIND Snacks has tapped into this trend by promoting portion-controlled, gluten-free snack bars that support digestive health. This approach targets a broader demographic, including fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and people managing chronic digestive conditions.

Category-Wise Analysis

By Source: Dominance of Plant-Based Options

As of 2024, plant-based gluten-free foods account for 72% of the market, reflecting an alignment of gluten-free consumption with plant-based eating trends. Millennials, in particular, are spearheading this transition due to their focus on health, ethical sourcing, and environmental sustainability.

Products made from legumes, seeds, and vegetables are naturally gluten-free and align with clean-label demands. These products are not only safe for gluten-intolerant individuals but also appeal to consumers seeking minimally processed, ethically sourced options rich in essential nutrients.

By Product: Snacks and Ready-to-Eat Foods Drive Growth

Gluten-free snacks and ready-to-eat (RTE) products are witnessing the fastest growth, propelled by demand for convenient and healthy food options. A study by Mondelez International revealed that 76% of consumers snack for a mood boost, reflecting both emotional and functional motivations for snacking.

This trend has spurred innovation in portable, flavorful gluten-free snacks and meals that are designed for busy lifestyles. These offerings increasingly feature added health benefits like high fiber or protein, catering to the demand for "better-for-you" snacking.

Regional Market Insights

North America: Market Leader with Strong Growth Potential

North America holds a 36% share of the global gluten-free food market as of 2024. The U.S. leads the charge with widespread adoption of gluten-free diets, clean-label preferences, and a strong retail presence for gluten-free alternatives. Manufacturers are improving taste and texture to counter the stigma that gluten-free products lack flavor or nutrition.

Canada’s food processing industry is also contributing to gluten-free reformulations, supported by regulatory frameworks and consumer education campaigns. The rise of online grocery shopping and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels is amplifying the reach of gluten-free brands in North America.

Europe: Robust Growth Driven by Regulation and Innovation

Europe is poised to grow at a 7.4% CAGR through 2032, with rising health consciousness and government-backed labeling standards fueling demand. Countries like Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain are leading in terms of gluten-free product adoption.

Germany, in particular, led the continent in gluten-free product launches in 2023–2024. Manufacturers across Europe are leveraging R&D investments to enhance the taste, nutrition, and texture of gluten-free offerings. European consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are embracing on-the-go, clean-label solutions, encouraged by social media trends and celebrity endorsements.

Competitive Landscape

The gluten-free food market is becoming increasingly competitive, with a mix of global food giants and niche startups striving for market share. The major players are:

• The Hain Celestial Group Inc.
• General Mills, Inc.
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• ConAgra Brands Inc.
• Dr. Schär USA Inc.
• Nestlé
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Barilla G.E.R Fratelli S.P.A
• Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods
• Raisio Oyj
• Ecotone
• Kellogg Company (Kellanova)
• Enjoy Life
• Kameda Seika Co., Ltd.

These companies are investing heavily in reformulation, e-commerce expansion, and sustainable sourcing to meet evolving consumer expectations. Meanwhile, emerging brands are disrupting the space with organic, non-GMO, and artisanal gluten-free options that attract consumers seeking simplicity and authenticity.

Recent Industry Developments

• Udi's® (Conagra Brands, Inc.) launched a multi-serve gluten-free chicken enchilada in June 2025, using antibiotic-free chicken, targeting both clean-label and allergen-sensitive consumers.
• Dr. Schär USA, Inc. announced a $28 billion expansion in April 2025 to upgrade production capacity and employee welfare, reinforcing its leadership in the U.S. gluten-free market.
• Kallø (Ecotone UK) introduced Organic Gluten-Free Golden Cornflakes in April 2025, focusing on low-sugar, high-fiber cereal options that cater to breakfast consumers.
• Garden Veggie™ Snacks (Hain Celestial Group) added new varieties to its Flavor Burst™ Tortilla Chips lineup in March 2025, combining bold taste with gluten-free assurance and clean-label credentials.

Conclusion

The global gluten-free food market is no longer a niche defined solely by medical necessity; it has evolved into a mainstream movement aligned with wellness, sustainability, and modern lifestyles. From snacks to cereals, consumers are demanding products that offer digestive benefits, ethical sourcing, and functional nutrition—all without compromising on taste.

With its impressive projected growth and widespread consumer adoption, the gluten-free market offers lucrative opportunities for innovation, especially in plant-based and convenience segments. For brands, staying ahead will mean more than reformulating products—it will require a holistic strategy built on health-driven messaging, supply chain resilience, and direct consumer engagement in an increasingly digital world.

As gluten-free food moves from a dietary restriction to a lifestyle preference, the industry stands at the intersection of health, ethics, and convenience—reshaping the way the world eats.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭:

Anhydrous Caffeine Market

Plant Based Creamer Market