The market for gluten-free food will hit $4.2 billion this year, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 28% from 2008 to 2012, according to data from Packaged Facts.
Snacks and granola bars represent 15% of the market with gluten-free pizzas, frozen dinners, salty snacks and soups also popular items in the segment.
18% of consumers now buy gluten-free products, up from 15% in October 2010.
35% of buyers cited the perception that gluten-free products are healthier as the main reason for their purchase.
“The conviction that gluten-free products are generally healthier is the top motivation for purchase of these products,” said David Sprinkle, Packaged Fact's research director.
Packaged Facts said that the category may have benefited from labelling initiatives such as "free from" and increased availability through health stores.
Other reasons cited for the growth of the segment are the low carb-qualities of the products, increased awareness of conditions such as celiac disease and the perception that they are higher quality than standard food items. Many gluten-free products are also marketed as organic or vegetarian.
North America and Europe continue to be the key markets for gluten-free products, accounting for 80% of new product launches from 2008 to 2012. The global market is expected to reach $6.6 billion by 2017.
