FOOD INTOLERANCE PRODUCTS MARKET ANALYSIS

The global food intolerance products market size was valued at USD 17,722.98 million in 2021 and is anticipated to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.79% from 2022 to 2030. There are several factors driving growth of the food intolerance products market. These factors include the growing prevalence of food intolerances and the high production and consumption capacity of these regions. For instance, globally, around 20% of the population is suspected of having food intolerances. Moreover, increasing demand for clean-label and gluten-free food is other major key factor augmenting growth of the global market.

Global Food Intolerance Products Market: Regional Insights

Regionally, North America is projected to dominate the global food intolerance products market over the forecast period owing to the increasing instances of allergy to food among consumers in the region. For instance, According to the studies conducted by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization in 2018 and 2019, around 8.2 million Americans have been found to be intolerant to shellfish. Those bearing intolerance to other food products like milk (dairy), peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, finfish, soy, and sesame include an estimate of around 6.1 million, 6.1 million, 3.9 million, 2.6 million, 2.4 million, 2.6 million, 1.9 million, and 0.6 million, respectively. The US food intolerance products market was valued at USD 7,091.42 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach USD 10,326.85 million by 2026, while recording a CAGR of 6.86% during the forecast period (2021-2026). 

At the same time, Europe is also projected to experience strong growth in the global market over the forecast period owing to the increasing consumption of lactose-free milk in countries such as Spain and France. For instance, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the consumption volume of lactose-free milk in Spain has increased consistently from around 344 thousand kilograms in 2017 to approximately to over 400 million kilograms in 2020; and the lactose-free milk expenditure value escalated by 18.62% from 2017 to over EUR 337 million in 2020. According to a study by Lancet, 2017 around 29% of the country’s population are lactose intolerant; thereby, products catering to those categories witnessed escalated sales during the study period. Additionally, in the United Kingdom, about 2 in 100 children and about 1 in 200 adults have an allergy to nuts. The number of people with peanut allergy is growing; thereby, products free of nuts is also ascending.

Figure 1. Global Food Intolerance Products Market Share (%), By Region, 2021

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Global Food Intolerance Products Market Drivers:

High prevalence of celiac disease among population is predominantly fueling growth of the global food intolerance products market. For instance, the global prevalence of celiac disease, as reported in the clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, has been 1.4%, with celiac prevalence values of 0.4% in South America, 0.5% in Africa and North America, 0.6% in Asia, and 0.8% in Europe and Oceania. Additionally, the highest prevalence of celiac disease is in Ireland and Finland and in places where the Europeans emigrated, notably North America and Australia, thus making these markets some of the largest consumers for food intolerance products.

Surging demand for clean-label and gluten-free food is also projected to augment market growth. For instance, in May 2018, The Lea-licious from Australia launched two new snack bars, namely, Cherry- Choc Rock, and Coco-Nut-Licious bars, which are made from 100% organic ingredients. This is a gluten- free product, and it is also suitable for vegans.

Global Food Intolerance Products Market Opportunities:

Growing popularity of cauliflower extracts as a gluten-free ingredient is projected to present significant growth opportunities for market players in the near future. For instance, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Chicago, is exploring gluten-free pizza crust applications that use a combination of bean or quinoa flour and cauliflower. In gluten-free products cauliflower is combined with other gluten-free ingredients such as quinoa flour or xanthan gum.

Availability of enhanced nutrition in gluten-free food products will serve profitable market opportunities for key manufacturers. For instance, Nola’s Oatmeal Raisin Gluten Free Cookies with Postbiotic Lactobacillus include oats, red and brown rice, chia and flax seeds, and palm sugar. The product is claimed to promote digestive health.

Global Food Intolerance Products Market Trends:

Non-diary, low sugar ice creams with trendy flavors are gaining momentum in the market. For instance, in February 2017, Breyers, an ice cream brand that has been active in the market for 150 years, launched its first-ever non-dairy line featuring two flavors made of almond milk. The new non-dairy flavor is vanilla peanut butter with a vanilla base will and swirls of creamy peanut butter. The second non-dairy addition to the Breyers family features another dessert, Oreo cookies, and cream.

Growing trend of gluten-free breakfast cereals is another factor propelling growth of the food intolerance products market. Gluten-free cereals are becoming popular as key players are continuous introducing gluten-free variants such as Nestle GoFree Cereals (Corn flakes, rice pops, honey flakes, coco rice), Kellogg’s special K Gluten Free Touch of Brown Sugar Cereal, and General Mill’s Cheerios.

Global Food Intolerance Products Market Restraints:

There is a risk of labeling, transparency, and contamination as there is no production process for manufacturers making such gluten-free food claims. This factor is projected to hamper the market growth. For this, various regulatory bodies are coming forward to regulate the labeling claims done by the manufacturer to make it easy for the consumers to easily differentiate those products. For instance, in June 2019, The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced new labeling norms for gluten-free claims on products while addressing the cross-contamination of such products with gluten-containing products manufacturing.

High price of gluten-free food products is another major factor restricting growth of the global market. For example, the price analysis study, of all food products labeled "gluten-free" and comparable gluten-containing food items conducted at online retail stores and grocery stores in India, such as Amazon and Big Basket. The study revealed that, on average, gluten-free flour was 232% more expensive than the regular gluten-inclusive wheat flour (Indian bread flour/atta).

Figure 2. Global Food Intolerance Products Market Share (%) in terms of Values, By Labeling, 2021

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Global Food Intolerance Products Market Segmentation:

The global food intolerance products market report is segmented into product type, labeling type, and region

Based on product type, the market is segmented into Bakery Products, Confectionery Products, Dairy and Dairy Alternatives, Meat and Seafood, and Sauces, Condiments, and Dressings. Out of which, Dairy and Dairy Alternatives is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the shifting consumer behavior towards plant-based protein due to growing concern over animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. Dairy and dairy alternatives segment of the market studied was valued at USD 4,497.55 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach USD 6,706.07 million by 2026, witnessing a CAGR of 7.12% over the forecast period.         

Confectionery Products segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the growing popularity of trendy flavor, such as strawberry, orange peel, coffee and cinnamon. The confectionery products segment of the market studied was valued at USD 2,459.42 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach USD 3,974.64 million by 2026, witnessing a CAGR of 8.57% over the forecast period.

Based on labeling type, the market is segmented into Lactose-free Food, Gluten-free Food, and Other Labeling Types. Out of which, Gluten-free Food is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the growing prevalence of celiac disease worldwide. According to a meta-analysis published in 2020, the incidence of celiac disease has increased by an average of 7.5% per year over the last several decades. According to serologic tests, the global prevalence of celiac disease is 1.4%. The main treatment is a strict, lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet, which is leading to an increase in the demand for gluten-free products. The gluten-free food products segment of the market studied was valued at USD 7,916.19 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach USD 12,070.92 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 7.53% during the forecast period.

Lactose-free Food segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future owing to the growing incidence of lactose intolerance among population coupled with the growing demand for plant-based diary replacements.  For instance, in July 2020, Chobani launched a portfolio of nutritional food and drinks, including high-protein, lactose-free Greek yogurt. The Greek yogurt is made with real fruits, is lactose-free, and easy to digest. The lactose-free food products market was valued at USD 3,574.35 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach USD 5,674.37 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of 8.25 % during the forecast period.

Global Food Intolerance Products Market: Key Developments

In August 2018, General Mill’s Annie’s brand released a number of new products in the United States, including a range of gluten-free Cheddar Bunny Tail crackers.

In July 2020, Blake’s, a brand owned by Conagra, introduced Gluten Free Mac and Cheese and EVOL Pizza, which are are available in two flavors, i.e., 3- Cheese  and  Pepperoni.  These keto-friendly pizzas are gluten-free and feature a crust made with chicken and parmesan cheese.

In June 2020, Healthy Choice, a brand owned by Conagra, launched a new line of grain-free Power Bowls featuring combinations of greens, vegetables, lean proteins, and riced cauliflower. Each bowl contains 18-20 g of protein and 5-7 g of fiber and is gluten-free.

In July 2020, Chobani launched its portfolio of nutritional food and drinks, including lactose-free Greek yogurt. This New Greek yogurt is a perfectly balanced, nutritious option for busy people. It can also serve as a good pre- or post-workout food item.

In August 2019, Chobani launched a new state-of-the-art Innovation and Community Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. The facility is also home to company’s Global Research and Development Center, fueling a future of creativity and collaboration and inspiring new creations.

In January 2019, Chobani introduced new non-dairy yogurt and yogurt drink. This is available in single-serving cups in blueberry, strawberry, and vanilla, and single-serving drinks in mango, strawberry, and vanilla chai.

Global Food Intolerance Products Market: Key Companies Insights

The global food intolerance products market is highly competitive. This is attributed to continuous launch of new technologies due to ongoing R &D and efforts by value chain participants. Moreover, key players are adopting various business growth strategies in order to expand their presence on regional as well as global basis. Some of the key players in the global food intolerance products market are General Mills Inc., Conagra Brands Inc., Chobani LLC, Hain Celestial Group Inc., Danone SA, Amy's Kitchen Inc., Doves Farm Foods Ltd, Monde Nissin, Dr. Schär, Ecotone (Mrs Crimbles Ltd), and Arla Foods Amba

*Definition: Food intolerance is a type of gastrointestinal reaction caused by food that is intolerant to its ingredient. Oftentimes, individuals with food intolerance can tolerate small amounts of the offending food without experiencing symptoms. For example, people with lactose intolerance can drink lactose-free milk, or take lactase enzyme pills.