PUBLISHER: Packaged Facts | PRODUCT CODE: 1401755
PUBLISHER: Packaged Facts | PRODUCT CODE: 1401755
This Packaged Facts report analyses the market for gluten-free foods. Combined sales of key product categories are projected to grow at an average rate of 7.3% annually through 2028.
Consumer demographics, perceptions, motivations, attitudes, and behavior pertaining to food, diet, and health are taken into account; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers are also analyzed in a broad sense, as well as in the context of gluten-free foods.
This report covers retail sales of gluten-free foods in US dollars. Gluten-free foods are defined as food products that often contain gluten/wheat ingredients that are instead manufactured to exclude gluten/wheat. Sales are segmented by the following key product categories, which do not encompass the entire market of gluten-free products:
Retail sales in this report are defined as sales of gluten-free foods from venues such as:
Historical sales are provided from 2017-2022, with expected sales reported for 2023 and sales projected from 2024-2028.
The report has dozens of tables showcasing numerical survey data on consumer demographics and psychographics and numerous marketing photographs. This report goes in-depth on COVID-19 and inflation trends that have affected the food and beverage market.
Primary research includes national online consumer polls of U.S. adult consumers (age 18+) conducted on an ongoing basis by Packaged Facts to analyze attitudes of consumers and their relevant food and beverage preferences.
Survey data from MRI-Simmons are used to analyze the demographics and psychographics of consumers who are changing their diet due to food allergies or gluten intolerance or buying foods labeled as gluten-free.
Supplementing Packaged Facts' exclusive surveys are analysis of the 2022 and 2023 Food & Health Surveys conducted by the International Food Information Council, which analyze consumer food purchase decisions, diet and lifestyle choices, snacking activity, and perception of health benefits in foods.
CHAPTER 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Who Is Driving the Market for Gluten-Free Foods?
Snacking Trends
Demographic Trends: Age and Plant-Forward Eating
Scope
CHAPTER 2: RECENT HISTORICAL TRENDS FROM THE PANDEMIC TO THE INFLATION ERA
HIGHLIGHTS
BOOSTED ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING ACTIVITY
Frequency of Grocery Shopping in 2023: In-Person vs. Online
Use of Meal Kit Delivery Services
Figure 2-2. Changes in Ordering Meal Kits during the Pandemic, 2021 - 2022 (percent of consumers)
SNACKING AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS
Trends from 2021-2022
Table 2-1. Coronavirus Eating Habits: "Because of the coronavirus, I am eating more…", 2021 (percent of consumers)
Figure 2-3. Coronavirus Habits in Snacking, Eating Frequency, and Eating "Comfort" Foods, 2021 - 2022 (percent of consumers)
Figure 2-4. Coronavirus Habits in Eating Fresh Produce and Processed Foods, 2021 - 2022 (percent of consumers)
Table 2-2. Current Snacking Activity Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels, 2023 (percent of consumers)
CONCERNS ABOUT COVID-19 EXPOSURE HAVE REMAINED
Most Still Consider the Pandemic a Health Threat Personally or to Family/Friends
Table 2-3. Coronavirus Health Concerns: "I am concerned about…", 2020 - 2021 (percent of consumers)
Figure 2-5. COVID-19 Statistics, November 12 - November 18, 2023 (test positivity, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths)
Table 2-4. Coronavirus Health Concerns: "I am concerned about…", 2022 - 2023 (percent of consumers)
Figure 2-6. COVID-19 Statistics, 2020 - November 2023 (weekly trends in new hospital admissions)
Concerns about COVID-19 Variants
Figure 2-7. Concerns about the Delta/Omicron Variant and Future Variants of COVID-19, 2021 - 2023 (percent of consumers)
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Concerns about Future Potential Pandemic Outbreaks
Table 2-5. Future Potential Pandemic Outbreak Concerns, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Vaccination Plans Reveal Many Consumers Are Taking COVID-19 and the Flu Seriously, Though Fewer May Be Getting Vaccinated Than Who Report Concerns
Table 2-6. Consumer Vaccination Plans, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 2-7. Coronavirus Health Concerns: "I am concerned about…" by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 2-8. Consumer Vaccination Plans by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who have already gotten vaccines or will definitely get them by the end of 2023)
SOURCE: SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 PACKAGED FACTS NATIONAL ONLINE CONSUMER SURVEY
NEGATIVE PERSONAL EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC
Figure 2-8. Changes in Mental and Physical Symptoms during the Pandemic, 2022 (percent of consumers)
Figure 2-9. Current Feelings on Mental and Physical Symptoms Compared to "Normal" or Preferred Level, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Stress Levels and Impact on Food/Beverage Consumption
NEAR TERM EFFECTS ON WORK HABITS
Figure 2-12. Coronavirus Changes to Work Patterns, 2021 - 2022 (percent of consumers)
Work from Home Ability and Frequency
Table 2-9. Ability to Work from Home and Frequency of Remote Work, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home
Table 2-10. Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 2-11. Consumer Rating of Experiences Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers who have ever had each experience)
Table 2-12. Consumer Opinions on Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of employed consumers)
RISING PRICES: FROM SUPPLY CHAIN CRUNCHES TO INFLATION
Table 2-13. Consumer Concerns about Rising Food Prices, 2021 - 2023 (percent of consumers)
The Vast Majority of Consumers Have Noticed the Rising Cost of Food, and Many Are Changing Their Purchasing Decisions
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Cutting Back on Household Expenses
Table 2-14. Consumers Cutting Back on Household Expenses in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
Table 2-15. Types of Household Expenses Cut Back on in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
Table 2-16. Consumer Spending on "Extras", 2023 (percent of consumers)
CHAPTER 3: OVERVIEW AND MARKET TRENDS
HIGHLIGHTS
FOOD ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES ARE KEY TO GLUTEN-FREE FOODS
Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergies, and Gluten Intolerances/Sensitivities
Other Food Allergies and Intolerances Lead to Wide Appeal for Allergy-Friendly Foods
Prevalence of Food Allergies and Intolerances Implied by Survey Results
Figure 3-1. Prevalence of Food Allergies, Gluten Intolerance, and Lactose Intolerance, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Figure 3-2. Prevalence of Food Allergies and Intolerances/Sensitivities, 2022 (percent of consumers)
Reported Food Allergies and Gluten Intolerance over Time
Table 3-1. Prevalence of Food Allergies, Gluten Intolerance, and Lactose Intolerance, 2018 - 2023 (percent of consumers)
Food Allergies Are on the Rise
At-Home Testing Increases Consumer Awareness and Can Lead to Diet Changes
Figure 3-3. At-Home Food Sensitivity Test
Food Preferences and Allergies/Intolerances
Table 3-2. Foods that Consumers Generally Eat, Generally Don't Like, or Are Allergic or Intolerant/Sensitive to by Type, 2022 (percent of consumers)
Purchases of Foods with Allergy-Friendly Labels
Many Consumers Purchase Allergy-Friendly Foods for Reasons Other Than an Allergy or Intolerance
NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS OF GLUTEN ARE DRIVING THE MARKET FOR GLUTEN-FREE FOODS
PLANT-BASED AND PLANT-FORWARD TRENDS
Definitions
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescatarian
Flexitarian
Omnivore
Plant-Based Eating and Sustainability Are Buzzwords Important to the General Public
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Figure 3-6. Magazine Covers Reflect the Issues of Importance to General Consumers
Figure 3-7. Diets/Eating Philosophies Primarily Followed by Consumers, 2023 (percent of consumers)
A "Reducetarian" Mindset is Growing Among Consumers Who Eat Animal Products (and It's Not Just Among Flexitarians)
Figure 3-8. Reducetarian Dieters Are People Motivated to Eat Fewer Animal Products
SNACKING TRENDS
Most Consumers Snack Daily
Preferred Types of Snacks
Table 3-3. Preferred Types of Snacks, 2023 (percent of consumers)
"Snackification" of Meals
Figure 3-10. Article Explains How to Turn a Charcuterie Board into a Healthy Dinner
When Consumers Snack Throughout the Day
What Consumers Snack on in the Morning and the Evening/Late Night
Product Examples
Figure 3-13. Gluten-Free Crispy Snack Bars
Figure 3-14. Gluten-Free Fruit Bars
Figure 3-15. Gluten-Free Chips Made with Vegetables
"BETTER-FOR-YOU" TRENDS
Clean Label Trends
Figure 3-16. Gluten-Free Crackers Have Only Purposeful Ingredients
Figure 3-17. Gluten-Free Cookies Contain No Artificial Colors or Flavors
Organic and Non-GMO
Figure 3-18. Organic Gluten-Free Snack Clusters
Sugar-Free/No Sugar Added Products and Alternative Sweeteners
Figure 3-19. Gluten-Free Snack Mix Uses No Added Sugar or Sweetener
Figure 3-20. Gluten-Free Cereal Uses Natural Alternative Sweeteners for a Sweet Flavor without Sugar
Addition of Nuts, Fruit, Seeds, and "Superfoods" for Increased Nutrition
Figure 3-21. Gluten-Free Chocolate Features Nuts, Fruit, and Added Hemp Protein for More Balanced Nutrition
Figure 3-22. Gluten-Free "Superfood" Bar
Vegan/Plant-Based Products Appeals to Those Looking to Eat a Plant-Forward Diet
Figure 3-23. Dairy-Free Cheddar Puffs Are Gluten-Free
Figure 3-24. Gluten-Free Plant-Based Meat Alternative
Keto, Paleo, Low-Carb, and High Protein Diets
Figure 3-25. Paleo-Friendly Snack Mix Is Gluten-Free by Definition
Figure 3-26. Gluten-Free Keto-Friendly Brownie Mix
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GLUTEN-FREE FOODSERVICE OPTIONS INCREASE AWARENESS OF GLUTEN-FREE PRODUCTS
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Figure 3-27. Energy Bars Free From Gluten and Major Allergens
HOME BAKING TRENDS
Figure 3-28. Baking Recipes for Gluten-Free Foods Use Alternative Flours
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WAS THE JUMPSTART THE ONLINE GROCERY MARKET NEEDED
Impact on the Gluten-Free Market
NUTRIENTS AND INGREDIENTS SOUGHT BY CONSUMERS
Protein Is the Most Popular Nutrient That People Try to Consume
Sources Used to Consume Nutrients
Consumers Report Increasing Consumption of Protein from Poultry and Whole-Plant Sources
Functional Health Benefits
Avoiding or Limiting Sugar Intake
Reasons for Avoiding or Limiting Sugar Intake
Sugar Continues to Be Preferred Over Low/No-Calorie Sweeteners
Table 3-4. Preferences for Sweetener Types, 2022 (percent of consumers)
Many Sweeteners Are Considered Unsafe by Consumers
Avoiding or Limiting Sodium
Information Consumers Seek Out on Nutrition Facts Labels
MINDFUL AND INTUITIVE EATING
Definition
How People Are Practicing Mindful and Intuitive Eating
Relation to Gluten-Free Diets and Foods
Dieting Activity
Frequency of Feelings and Behaviors Associated with Mindful and Intuitive Eating Patterns
Consumer Mindfulness Index
CONCERNS ABOUT FOOD WASTE
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Most Consumers Are Concerned about Food Waste
Table 3-5. Levels of Concern about the Environment and Sources of Food Waste, 2022 (percent of consumers)
How Consumers Reduce Food Waste
Opportunities for Gluten-Free Foods
CHAPTER 4: MARKET SIZE AND FORECAST
HIGHLIGHTS
SCOPE
RETAIL SALES OUTLOOK
Historical Trends
Table 4-1. US Gluten-Free Foods: Retail Sales for Key Product Categories, 2017-2022, 2023E (in millions of dollars)
Market Forecast
Table 4-2. US Gluten-Free Foods: Retail Sales for Key Product Categories, 2023E, 2024P - 2028P (in millions of dollars)
CHAPTER 5: CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS
HIGHLIGHTS
PREVALENCE OF GLUTEN INTOLERANCE, GLUTEN-FREE DIETS, AND INTEREST IN GLUTEN-FREE FOODS
Figure 5-1. Prevalence of Gluten Intolerance and Food Allergies, and Purchases of Foods Labeled as Gluten-Free, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 5-1. Frequency of Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers)
TRENDS BY GENDER
Table 5-2. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Gender, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Figure 5-2. Self-Reported Food Allergy Reactions and Doctor-Diagnosed Allergies by Gender
Figure 5-3. Food Allergy Rates by Age Bracket and Gender
Table 5-3. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Gender, 2023 (percent of consumers)
TRENDS BY AGE BRACKET AND GENERATION
Table 5-4. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Age Bracket, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Figure 5-4. Self-Reported Food Allergy Reactions and Doctor-Diagnosed Allergies by Age Bracket
Figure 5-5. Rates of Food Allergy Types by Age Range
Figure 5-6. Food Allergy Rates Rising among Children
Table 5-5. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Generation, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 5-6. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Age Bracket, 2023 (percent of consumers)
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PATTERNS BASED ON HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Table 5-7. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Household Income Bracket, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 5-8. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Household Income Bracket, 2023 (percent of consumers)
REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
Table 5-9. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by US Region, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Figure 5-7. Self-Reported Food Allergy Reactions and Doctor-Diagnosed Allergies by US Region
Table 5-10. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by US Region, 2023 (percent of consumers)
URBAN, SUBURBAN, AND RURAL CONSUMERS
Table 5-11. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by County Size, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 5-12. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Urban, Suburban, or Rural Living, 2023 (percent of consumers)
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Table 5-13. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Educational Attainment, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 5-14. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Educational Attainment, 2023 (percent of consumers)
PRESENCE OF CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD AND MARITAL/PARTNERSHIP STATUS
Table 5-15. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Presence of Children in the Household, Parenthood, and Marital/Partnership Status, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 5-16. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Parenthood and Marital/Partnership Status, 2023 (percent of consumers)
RACE/ETHNICITY
Table 5-17. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Race/Ethnicity, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Figure 5-8. Self-Reported Food Allergy Reactions and Doctor-Diagnosed Allergies by Race/Ethnicity
Figure 5-9. Food Allergy Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Table 5-18. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Race/Ethnicity, 2023 (percent of consumers)
PLANT-FORWARD CONSUMERS
Table 5-19. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 5-20. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2023 (percent of consumers)
ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPERS (FOOD DELIVERY AND PICKUP SERVICES)
Table 5-21. Following Special Eating Habits due to Gluten Intolerance or Food Allergies; Buying Food Labeled as Gluten-Free by Use of Online Grocery Delivery Services, 2023 (percent of consumers)
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Table 5-22. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Shopping Online for Groceries in the Last 30 Days, 2023 (percent of consumers)
CLEAN LABEL DIETERS
Table 5-23. Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities by Following a Clean Label Diet and Clean Label Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers)
CHAPTER 6: CONSUMER PSYCHOGRAPHICS
HIGHLIGHTS
SPECIAL EATING RESTRICTIONS OR PREFERENCES
Table 6-1. Extent to Which Consumers Report Following a Special Diet, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-2. Special Diets Followed by Consumers, 2023 (percent of consumers)
LEVELS OF STRESS, ANXIETY, TIREDNESS, AND LONELINESS
Table 6-3. "Please rate how you currently feel in these areas (stress, tiredness, anxiety, loneliness), compared to your 'normal' or preferred level", by Gender and Age Bracket, 2023 (percent of respondents who reported feeling more of these characteristics)
Table 6-5. "Please rate how you currently feel in these areas (stress, tiredness, anxiety, loneliness), compared to your 'normal' or preferred level", by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of respondents who reported feeling more of these characteristics)
FOOD ATTITUDES
Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics
Table 6-6. Priorities Placed on Foods, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Carbs and Proteins
Table 6-7. Statements about Carbohydrates and Protein, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-8. Statements about Carbohydrates and Protein by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who agree)
Food Restrictions and Nutritional Benefits
Table 6-9. Statements about Nutritional Benefits and Food Restrictions, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-10. Statements about Nutritional Benefits and Food Restrictions by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who agree)
Sweeteners and Low Calorie Products
Table 6-11. Statements about Sweeteners and Low Calorie Products, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-12. Statements about Sweeteners and Low Calorie Products by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who agree)
Snacking
Table 6-13. Statements about Snacking, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-14. Statements about Snacking by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who agree)
November 2023 © Packaged Facts ix
Cooking and Eating Out at Restaurants
Table 6-15. Statements about Cooking and Eating Out at Restaurants, 2023 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
Premium Tastes and Openness to Novelty
Premium and Novel Food Preferences
Table 6-16. Statements about Premium and Novel Food Preferences, 2023 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
Factors That Entice Consumers to Try New Foods
Table 6-17. Factors that Entice Consumers to Try New Foods, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-18. Factors that Entice Consumers to Try New Foods by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who say factors have strong impacts)
Interest in Food Concepts
Table 6-19. Interest in Food Concepts, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-20. Interest in Food Concepts by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who are very interested)
Food Nutrition and Buying Food on Sale
Table 6-21. Statements about Food Nutrition and Buying Food on Sale, 2023 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
SHOPPING BEHAVIOR
Meal Planning and Impulse Purchases
Table 6-22. Statements about Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-23. Statements about Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who usually or always report each activity)
Grocery Store Sections Shopped
Table 6-24. Frequency of Shopping in Grocery Store Sections, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-25. Frequency of Shopping in Grocery Store by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, (percent of consumers who shop each section at least nearly every trip)
COOKING SKILLS
Confidence Level and Self-Rating of Cooking Skills
Table 6-26. Consumer Confidence Level and Self-Rating of Cooking Skills, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-27. Consumer Confidence Level and Self-Rating of Cooking Skills by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers who rate themselves highly)
Use of Microwave Ovens
Table 6-28. Frequency of Microwave Oven Use by Following a Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Diet and High Gluten-Free/Grain-Free Food Priorities, 2023 (percent of consumers)
Table 6-29. How Consumers Use Microwave Ovens, 2023 (percent of consumers who use microwave ovens)