Celiac disease or gluten sensitive enteropathy refers to an autoimmune ailment that affects genetically predisposed people, whose small intestine is damaged due to the ingestion of gluten. It is a hereditary disease and can develop at any age after individuals start consuming food items or medicines that contain gluten. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, this disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide. As per this foundation, the only treatment for this illness is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.

The increasing incidence of celiac disease will, therefore, help the gluten-free products market progress in the upcoming years. To cater to the needs of people living with gluten sensitive enteropathy, Alara Wholefoods, Glutamel, General Mills Inc., Domino's Pizza Inc., H.J. Heinz Company, and Kelloggs are offering gluten-free products globally. The labelling of these products varies from country to country. For example, in the U.K., food products containing less than 20 parts per million can be labelled as gluten-free; whereas, in Canada, products bereft of wheat, rye, triticale, kamut, oats, spelt, and barley are considered gluten-free.

Read More:Gluten Free Products Market Analysis and Demand Forecast Report

The surging public shift toward gluten-free products can also be attributed to the improving lifestyle of people and mounting health awareness among people, owing to the accelerating urbanization rate. Presently, customers can opt for gluten-free biscuits, buns, baking mixes, cakes, cookies, crackers, flours, rolls, and wafers to lead a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, they can also consume gluten-free meat and poultry, pizza, pasta, cereals, and snacks to avoid severe impacts of celiac disease or follow a healthy eating regime.

Consumers can procure gluten-free products from grocery stores, e-retailers, hotels and restaurants, and mass merchandizers. Products available at these distribution channels do not compromise on taste, due to the rapid advancements in food technology, especially in the developed parts of the world. In recent years, these distribution channels have witnessed a significant sale of gluten-free grains, such as rice, teff, and quinoa; ingredients such as xanthan gum; and food products made from these grains and ingredients.