The gluten-free market is cementing its staying power as more than a mere dietary fad, with mainstream retail brands and popular foodservice chains increasing their gluten-free offerings. According to "Gluten-Free Foods in the U.S., 5th Edition," from Packaged Facts, retail sales of gluten-free foods posted an impressive compound annual growth rate of 34 percent over the five-year period ended in 2014, when market sales reached $973 million.
Further, Packaged Facts’ July/August 2014 survey data reveals that more than a third of consumers claim gluten-free/wheat-free is an important factor when they are shopping for food. In addition, a quarter of survey respondents had purchased or used food products labeled gluten-free in the three months prior to the survey.
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Looking ahead, the gluten-free market’s momentum isn’t expected to wane anytime soon. Packaged Facts projects sales will exceed $2 billion in 2019.
According to the "NMI Gluten Free 2015" report from Natural Marketing Institute, the primary reasons for starting to use gluten-free foods and beverages are a general desire to improve health, feel better and lose weight. In fact, only 6 percent of consumers surveyed indicate the reason as having celiac disease. Interestingly, accidental purchase is a relatively common reason for initiating use of gluten-free products.
Popular Gluten Free Options
Going Against the Grain
Trying to keep up with the demand for premium gluten-free products, Against The Grain Gourmet introduced the first nationally available Lebanese-style Gluten-free Pita Bread. The bread is made with light buckwheat flour, a gluten-free flour with a fine texture and neutral flavor. It is also nutritionally dense, as it is high in complex carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorous, iron, calcium, protein and fiber, with twice the amount of B vitamins as wheat flour. The bread is lightly leavened with yeast and is ideal for wrapping, stuffing, topping, grilling and baking into both sweet and savory creations. >> Learn more about the product
