Are You Gluten Free? Here’s What’s Happening in 2020!
- Dawn Reiss, New Hope Network 1
1. The number of gluten-free products will continue to rise
More products are coming into the marketplace. When GIG began in 2005, it only certified Enjoy Life, which was its first company. In 2010, the group certified approximately 10,000 products. As of November 2019, it has certified 63,794 products worldwide. It’s expecting 8-10% growth over the next five years, and the U.S. is the largest gluten-free market.
The reason? One percent of the U.S. population has celiac. That’s 3 million Americans. But up to 13% of the U.S. population is believed to have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and that’s about 40 million Americans.
2. Expect more consolidation in the marketplace
Despite all the growth and new products, expect to see larger corporations buying up smaller companies–as was the case when Conagra bought out Boulder Brands, which had been acquired by Pinnacle Foods and encompasses gluten-free mainstays such as Udi’s and Glutino.
3. Look for gluten-free products outside of the natural food space
Bakery items are always popular, but now there is more gluten awareness in the makeup and skincare space. This is largely because because brands such as Arbonne are realizing that individuals with celiac disease can have reactions to gluten in other products, even when eating isn’t involved.
The same goes for vitamins and probiotics. Gluten-sensitive consumers don’t want to put things on their lips that have gluten because that can then cause a form of dermatitis herpetiformis, which manifests as a skin disease sans G.I. symptoms. This is why companies such as Country Life and Garden of Life have gluten-free vitamins.
4. Label transparency will continue to rise in importance
Label transparency is becoming more important with 29% of all shoppers seeking some type of certification. And having a gluten-free certification can help smaller companies stand out when they are looking for more regional and national distribution channels.
5. The variety of gluten-free, grain-free flours on the market will continue expanding
All sorts of gluten-free flour substitutes are gaining traction. And while consumers once had to buy multiple flour brands, many companies are now producing easy-to-use flour blends. Brands to watch include King Arthur Flour, Namaste Foods and Pamela’s Products.
There’s more interest in grain-free flours because the Paleo movement is so big. Think garbanzo bean, black bean, mung bean, lentil, cauliflower, coconut and almond flours to name a few. There are already so many options now in terms of grain-free pasta and pizza crusts.
Fruit flours such as apple and banana flours are also new trends in this market. Other innovative options include coffee flour and beet flour.
6. There will be a greater demand for gluten-free convenience foods
Consumers are accustomed to just grabbing pizza crust and other convenience foods off the shelf–they’re always looking to get rid of any extra steps. And those in the industry are taking notice.
Think grab-and-go meals that are quick and have heat-and-eat elements; this includes gluten-free pizzas, soups and other prepared food that aren’t just snacks.
7. More liquor brands will become certified gluten-free
Tequila, vodka and even beer companies are becoming more interested in gluten-free certification. That’s a big difference from being “gluten-removed.” Some companies think they can remove gluten while still using a barley-based beer. Most organizations won’t certify those products. However, there has been a big uptick in liquor brands that want to tout the fact that they’re using gluten-free grains.
8. There will be an uptick in vegan, vegetarian, and meat alternatives that are certified gluten-free
Not too long ago, the vast majority of non-meat alternatives had fillers made from wheat. Now these companies are looking at going gluten-free because a lot of people who live gluten-free also end up going dairy-free.
This is because consumers who are recently diagnosed with celiac disease have villi that have been damaged in their small intestine, and that makes it more difficult to digest often-inflammatory food groups such as dairy as they try to heal.
9. Oats will continue to be scrutinized
How oats are sourced and certified will continue to be a hot topic. Oats are being used in more gluten-free products. There’s confusion about what it means for a product to be made with gluten-free oats that are safe.
Using certified gluten-free oats is your safest bet because it’s a high-risk ingredient for cross-contamination with wheat and other gluten-containing grains. There are some consumers, mostly those with celiac disease, who can’t tolerate oats in any capacity even though they are technically gluten-free.
1 https://www.newhope.com/food-and-beverage/9-gluten-free-trends-watch-2020
