This year, the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 tends to overshadow the fact that May is Celiac Awareness Month. However, both trigger a renewed focus on healthy living. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, concerns about food ingredients and the availability of gluten-free foods are day-to-day issues. Currently, with restrictions on restaurants and “stay at home” mandates, it’s especially important to find appealing take-out foods and prepackaged snacks that everyone in the household can enjoy.
Even without factoring in the changes brought about by COVID-19, the market for gluten-free food products has grown exponentially over the last decade or so and promises to continue. Awareness of the needs of the gluten-free community and improving the safety and quality of gluten-free products is given attention by the media and consumers. And there is a reason. According to Reports & Data, “[The] increase in diagnosis of celiac diseases and growing health concerns among the population is further expected to boost the demand for gluten-free products.” The study notes that the global gluten-free products market was valued at $4.35 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $7.91 billion by 2026.