Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market Size

Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market Overview

Global Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages market size is estimated at USD 4887.06 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6926.46 million by 2033 at a 3.6% CAGR.

The gluten-free foods & beverages market has gained significant attention due to the rising global awareness of gluten intolerance, celiac disease, and lifestyle-driven dietary preferences. In 2024, over 78 million individuals worldwide followed a gluten-free diet, driven both by medical necessity and wellness trends. The United States alone accounted for approximately 32 million of these consumers, representing more than 9% of its population. Moreover, a study from Western Europe indicated that 12% of UK households purchased gluten-free food weekly, with bakery items being the leading choice.

Product innovation is a core characteristic of the market, with more than 3,400 gluten-free food and beverage SKUs launched globally between 2023 and early 2024. Retail shelf space allocation for gluten-free items has expanded by 36% year-over-year in organized retail chains, showing strong demand across developed economies. Additionally, consumer willingness to pay a premium for gluten-free products has encouraged manufacturers to diversify offerings across bakery, beverages, dairy, and snack segments.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Rising consumer awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, impacting more than 1 in 100 individuals globally.

Top Country/Region: The United States leads the market, with over 32 million consumers actively seeking gluten-free options in 2024.

Top Segment: Bakery & Snacks represent the top-selling gluten-free product category, accounting for over 41% of global gluten-free product consumption.

Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market Trends

The gluten-free foods & beverages market has witnessed a surge in product innovation, with over 1,400 new gluten-free bakery and snack items launched in North America alone in 2023. These included protein-fortified bars, ancient grain-based cookies, and seed-blend bread loaves. Additionally, in Europe, more than 680 gluten-free beverages were introduced in 2023, with oat-based milk and turmeric-laced gluten-free smoothies gaining high consumer traction.

There is a growing preference for multi-functional gluten-free products. Approximately 36% of gluten-free consumers now demand additional attributes like organic certification, low sugar, and high protein. In 2024, 27% of gluten-free food launches carried organic labels, while 19% included plant-based claims. Gluten-free breakfast cereals infused with added vitamins recorded a 24% increase in shelf presence.

Online sales have outperformed physical retail for gluten-free products. E-commerce gluten-free food sales rose by 43% in 2023 across key markets such as the UK, US, and Germany. Convenience-focused gluten-free meal kits and frozen ready-to-eat meals saw a 38% growth in subscriptions year-over-year.

Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising prevalence of gluten intolerance and lifestyle adoption of gluten-free diets.

An estimated 1 in 100 people globally are affected by celiac disease, and more than 6% of the population in developed nations report non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In the United States, around 2.5 million people remain undiagnosed with celiac disease, increasing the likelihood of demand growth for gluten-free solutions. Simultaneously, gluten-free eating has become a broader lifestyle choice. A 2023 consumer survey revealed that 28% of respondents who bought gluten-free products did not have gluten-related health issues but opted for such diets for perceived health benefits.

RESTRAINT

Limited availability of gluten-free ingredients and high production costs.

Gluten-free product development requires substitution of wheat, rye, and barley with alternative flours such as rice, quinoa, sorghum, and amaranth, which are 1.3x to 2.2x more expensive than wheat flour. These cost challenges affect pricing, with gluten-free bread costing 76% more than conventional bread on average. Additionally, sourcing challenges for consistent gluten-free ingredients impact supply chain efficiency.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of gluten-free offerings in foodservice and quick-service restaurants (QSRs).

In 2023, over 9,800 quick-service restaurants in the United States included gluten-free options on their menu, a 35% increase from 2021. The European region saw 4,200 gluten-free designated restaurant certifications awarded in 2023, enhancing out-of-home consumption appeal. QSR chains now feature gluten-free pizza crusts, burger buns, and pasta. The introduction of dedicated gluten-free prep areas and cross-contamination training increased consumer trust and frequency of dining out. In Asia-Pacific, gluten-free dessert cafés in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore doubled between 2022 and 2024.

CHALLENGE

Maintaining taste, texture, and nutrition parity with conventional products.

One of the biggest challenges in the gluten-free foods & beverages market is achieving sensory parity—ensuring gluten-free products match the taste, texture, and appearance of their gluten-containing counterparts. Surveys in 2023 found that 47% of consumers cited taste as a reason for rejecting gluten-free alternatives. Gluten plays a crucial role in providing structure and elasticity in baked goods, and its removal often leads to crumbling textures or dryness. To replicate gluten’s function, manufacturers must use a blend of hydrocolloids, proteins, and emulsifiers, which increases production complexity.

Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market Segmentation

The gluten-free foods & beverages market is segmented by product type and distribution channel. The product types include bakery & snacks, dairy & dairy alternatives, meat & meat alternatives, beverages, and others. Distribution channels include supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, food and drink speciality stores, and other retail formats.

By Type

Bakery & Snacks: Bakery and snack items hold the largest share of the gluten-free market, accounting for approximately 41% of total product sales in 2023. Over 1,900 new gluten-free bakery SKUs were launched globally last year. These included muffins, cookies, energy bars, bread, and crackers made using almond flour, tapioca, and brown rice. In Germany, gluten-free bread accounted for 29% of all gluten-free sales. Gluten-free pretzels and granola bars became especially popular in North America, where convenience and portability drive snack trends. In Japan, mochi-based gluten-free confections rose in popularity, showing a 22% increase in sales year-over-year.
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives: Gluten-free dairy and alternatives such as plant-based milk, cheese substitutes, and yogurt saw a 26% increase in global consumption between 2022 and 2024. In Australia, almond milk and oat milk labeled gluten-free account for 31% of plant-based milk sales. Over 340 new gluten-free yogurt lines entered the European market in 2023, many offering probiotics and added nutrients. Consumer interest in lactose-free and gluten-free cross-category solutions has resulted in co-branded health-positioned launches.
Meat & Meat Alternatives: Gluten-free meat and plant-based meat options captured 13% of the gluten-free market in 2023. Vegan sausages, tofu patties, and chickpea-based nuggets labeled gluten-free are expanding in popularity. The U.S. saw a 19% rise in gluten-free meat alternative sales, particularly among flexitarian consumers. In Latin America, gluten-free soy protein strips gained popularity among middle-income urban households. A challenge in this segment is flavor enhancement without using gluten-based binders or soy sauce.
Beverages: The beverage category, including juices, plant-based drinks, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages like gluten-free beer, grew by 18% globally in 2023. The UK market launched 70+ gluten-free alcohol products in one year. Non-dairy protein shakes and wellness tonics labeled gluten-free made up 11% of functional beverage sales in the United States. In India, coconut water fortified with electrolytes and labeled gluten-free recorded an 87% increase in urban consumption.
Others: This segment includes condiments, sauces, pasta, breakfast cereals, and meal kits. Gluten-free pasta, primarily made of corn, quinoa, and lentil flour, saw a 25% increase in European retail distribution in 2023. Breakfast cereals labeled gluten-free accounted for 17% of all new cereal launches in North America. Ready-to-eat meal kits have shown 31% growth in demand across digital platforms.

By Application

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: These retail formats dominate gluten-free food distribution, accounting for 57% of global sales in 2023. Retail chains in the U.S. typically carry over 300 gluten-free SKUs. Promotional campaigns, in-store signage, and gluten-free dedicated aisles have supported consumer education. In Italy, 44% of gluten-free purchases occurred in hypermarkets with in-store bakery options offering fresh gluten-free bread.
Convenience Stores: Convenience stores cater to on-the-go gluten-free snack buyers. Sales of gluten-free protein bars, cookies, and packaged salads increased by 23% in convenience chains across the U.K. and France in 2023. Asian 7-Eleven stores introduced 40 new gluten-free SKUs between 2023 and 2024, particularly focused on lunchboxes and beverages.
Food and Drink Speciality Stores: These outlets offer curated gluten-free selections and often cater to consumers with allergies. Specialty stores in Canada reported that over 60% of their SKUs are gluten-free certified. The average ticket size for gluten-free purchases in these stores was 1.8x higher than in supermarkets, reflecting premium positioning.
Others: This segment includes e-commerce, pharmacies, and direct-to-consumer channels. Online gluten-free food sales jumped 43% in 2023, particularly for baking kits, supplements, and meal prep solutions. Pharmacy chains in Brazil now stock over 50 gluten-free SKUs, especially breakfast options.

Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market Regional Outlook

The gluten-free foods & beverages market has demonstrated strong geographical diversity, with marked differences in consumer behavior, product availability, and market maturity across regions.

North America

the gluten-free movement is deeply ingrained. Over 32 million Americans followed a gluten-free diet in 2024, representing approximately 9.6% of the U.S. population. Canada showed similar trends, with 17% of households purchasing gluten-free products regularly. The United States accounted for 41% of the global gluten-free product launches in 2023. Over 9,800 quick-service restaurants in the U.S. added gluten-free options, and supermarkets expanded gluten-free shelf space by 36% year-over-year. Online platforms in the U.S. accounted for 29% of gluten-free product sales in 2023, with baking kits, snacks, and frozen meals leading the chart.

Europe

over 11 million consumers actively seek gluten-free foods, primarily in the UK, Germany, France, and Italy. Germany alone contributed to over 680 gluten-free product launches in 2023. Italy has seen a 21% increase in gluten-free bread and pasta consumption due to both medical needs and premium food trends. The UK market reported that 23% of adults tried gluten-free items at least once monthly in 2023. Gluten-free certification initiatives and foodservice expansion continue to support demand. Gluten-free beer and functional cereals are key growth areas in the region, particularly in Scandinavian countries.

Asia-Pacific

consumer awareness of gluten-free diets is growing rapidly, especially in urban centers. India, China, Japan, and Australia are leading this trend. In Japan, 280+ gluten-free cafés and bakeries operated in Tokyo and Osaka by the end of 2023. India showed a 37% increase in gluten-free flour and ready-to-eat breakfast consumption in tier 1 cities. Australia maintained high per capita spending on gluten-free foods, with more than 75% of retail chains offering over 200 gluten-free SKUs.

Middle East & Africa

the gluten-free market is emerging but growing. In the United Arab Emirates, more than 650 gluten-free products were launched in 2023, especially in bakery and beverage categories. The gluten-free trend is supported by high expatriate populations and increasing health consciousness. South Africa has over 1,400 gluten-free labeled food products available in urban supermarket chains.

List of Top Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market Companies

The Kraft Heinz
Schar
General Mills
Hain Celestial
Freedom Foods
Kelkin
Amy's Kitchen
PaneRiso Foods
Gruma
Genius Foods
Hero Group
PaneRiso Foods
Kellogg’s Company
Doves Farm
Farmo
Jamestown Mills
Pinnacle Foods

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Dr. Schar: maintains the leading position in Europe with more than 120 gluten-free products across 12 categories. In 2023, the company distributed to over 100,000 stores in 34 countries and operated 11 gluten-free manufacturing plants.

General Mills: holds a dominant North American presence, with over 200 gluten-free SKUs under its Betty Crocker, Nature Valley, and Cheerios brands. In 2023, General Mills reported gluten-free product sales in more than 36 countries and led U.S. cereal launches with gluten-free claims.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The gluten-free foods & beverages market has attracted increasing investment due to consistent consumer demand, brand loyalty, and premium pricing strategies. In 2023 alone, over 90 venture capital investments were recorded in gluten-free startups globally, focusing on baked goods, plant-based alternatives, and protein-enriched snacks.

Private equity firms have turned attention toward gluten-free-focused brands with clean-label attributes. For example, in 2023, four gluten-free bakery companies across the U.S. and Canada received investments exceeding $25 million each to expand distribution and R&D. In Europe, Italy and Germany saw more than 14 strategic acquisitions or partnerships in the gluten-free manufacturing domain.

Manufacturing investments have also surged. More than 18 new gluten-free processing plants were commissioned worldwide in 2023–2024, of which six were located in the Asia-Pacific region. Facilities now incorporate advanced cross-contamination prevention technology and multi-line allergen testing labs.

Retailers continue to invest in private-label gluten-free portfolios. In 2023, over 60 new gluten-free lines were launched by supermarkets in the UK, Australia, and the U.S., collectively offering over 1,700 SKUs. Retailers are also introducing AI-powered inventory systems to optimize gluten-free shelf stock rotation and freshness.

New Product Development

The gluten-free market has entered a mature innovation phase, emphasizing multi-functionality, sensory quality, and clean-label formulations. In 2023, over 3,400 new gluten-free food and beverage SKUs were launched globally, spanning frozen goods, beverages, snacks, and condiments.

Key innovations included the use of ancient grains like teff, sorghum, and amaranth, which provide both gluten-free status and improved nutrient density. For instance, teff-based gluten-free bread with added iron and protein saw a 19% market rise in Northern Europe. Additionally, plant-based flours such as banana flour and tiger nut flour were introduced in baking mixes to enhance fiber content.

In beverages, gluten-free claims extended beyond milk alternatives to protein shakes, probiotic drinks, and fortified waters. One U.S. startup launched a gluten-free vitamin water infused with zinc and magnesium, gaining over 12,000 retail placements within 8 months.

Brands are also focusing on improving texture and elasticity in gluten-free baked products. Enzyme-based treatments and psyllium husk fiber have become standard additives to enhance moisture retention and reduce crumbling. A Canada-based company introduced a patent-pending baking binder that increases shelf life by 22% while maintaining softness.

Five Recent Developments

Schar: launched its first 100% compostable packaging for its gluten-free bread line in March 2024, reducing plastic use by 60%.
General Mills: expanded its gluten-free snack portfolio with the launch of five new bars under Nature Valley in early 2024, now distributed in over 18 countries.
Freedom Foods: introduced a fortified gluten-free cereal range in Australia in Q4 2023, providing 25% of the recommended daily fiber intake per serving.
Amy’s Kitchen: opened its new gluten-free dedicated kitchen in California in August 2023, capable of producing over 10,000 meals per day.
Genius Foods: collaborated with UK schools in 2023 to introduce gluten-free meal kits in 120 institutions, serving over 40,000 gluten-intolerant students monthly.

Report Coverage of Gluten-Free Foods & Beverages Market

This report delivers an in-depth analysis of the global gluten-free foods & beverages market, covering product segmentation, regional performance, competitive dynamics, and investment opportunities. The scope of this analysis spans key product categories, including bakery & snacks, dairy and alternatives, meat and plant-based meats, beverages, and specialty items like gluten-free sauces and condiments.

Detailed segmentation reveals demand distribution by retail formats such as supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty outlets, and online platforms. Each channel is analyzed for volume trends, SKU growth, and consumer preferences. The regional focus extends across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, with market-specific insights drawn from urbanization patterns, dietary shifts, and retail availability.

The report also includes company profiling of major players, highlighting their market share, geographic presence, new launches, and supply chain capabilities. Dr. Schar and General Mills are examined in depth as the current market leaders. The competitive landscape section outlines branding strategies, partnerships, and regulatory positioning.