Free-From-Food Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The global free-from-food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period, 2022-2027.

The consumer’s interest in healthy eating increased manifold due to COVID-19. This substantial transformation is reflected in industries such as gluten-free and dairy-free products. Due to the pandemic, the global population prioritized health over other concerns, moving toward healthier food products such as free-from products. Further, during the COVID-19 outbreak, experimentation with new dairy alternatives increased as people started looking for healthy snacking options.

The free-from-food market is also thriving in the light of medical advancements that have analyzed and provided a solid understanding of different responses from the immune system, enabling consumers to make conscious decisions in purchasing their food products.

Consumer awareness regarding the labeling of allergen-free and dairy-free products claims and other ingredient claims is driving the market for these food products. Moreover, favorable regulations by the food safety authorities are expected to bring more opportunities for the major players in the market to increase output.

Key Market Trends

Clean Label Product Development and Associated Labeling Compliance

The increased consumer demand for free-from-food products and the rising clean-label claims on products accelerated the market growth around the world. Product launches with various label claims, such as “gluten-free”, “dairy free,” “non-GMO,” and “reduced sugar”, have been silently benefiting the customers over the past few years. Moreover, the consumers are keeping a constant check on food labels before purchasing any food product. Several organizational surveys on consumer buying behavior revealed the rising consumer interest in probing for superior ingredients on the food label. The concept of allergen-free products is likely to stir the market for food and beverage products during the forecast period, with the provision of access to worry-free eating for people allergic to gluten, soy, or any other similar ingredient. Thus, manufacturers are launching innovative products to cater to the potential market. For instance, in 2020, Blake’s, a brand owned by Conagra, introduced Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese and EVOL Pizza, which 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.

Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Region

The increasing consumer preference for healthy and high-quality food products is expected to drive the free-from product market. According to the Institute for Nutrition and Health and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of lactose intolerance in Chinese adults is as high as 95-100%, suggesting great demand for free-from lactose packaged food. On the other hand, the massive media exposure and government education on lactose intolerance and infant allergies helped boost purchases of free-from lactose-free baby milk formula and dairy products among the consumers with related health issues. Moreover, brands are coming up with innovative portfolios to cater to the growing demand. For Instance, in 2021, Cleat Co. Ltd, which plans, develops, imports, and sells confectionery products, announced the launch of cookie “Cocoroll” using rice flour. It is a gluten-free cookie that does not use milk in the production process.

Competitive Landscape

The free-from-food market is highly competitive due to the presence of several domestic and international players in this segment. Some of the key players in the market include Conagra Brands Inc., Dr. Schar AG/SpA, Hain Celestial, General Mills, Mondalez International, and Danone SA. The key strategy used by some of the top players in the segment is product innovation, as this enables companies to meet the consumers changing preferences on a daily basis. Also, using the same strategy, a company can expand its product portfolio and even offer numerous products to the consumers, which will help to elevate the sales.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

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