USD 89.2 billion
Report ID:
SQMIG25AD2012 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: February, 2025
Pages:
193
|Tables:
96
|Figures:
71
Free From Food Market size was valued at USD 89.2 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 101.06 billion in 2024 to USD 274.43 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.3% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Increasing awareness on food allergies and intolerances coupled with an increase in consumer demand for healthier and clean-label products is driving free-from foods.
The global free from food market has grown steadily over the years, with this growth attributed to the rising incidences of food allergies, intolerance, and the increased awareness about dietary needs. Free from foods, which exclude ingredients like gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, and nuts, have become essential for many consumers seeking healthier, safer alternatives to conventional food products. The market’s expansion is primarily due to rising health consciousness among consumers who are more inclined toward clean labels and natural, non-processed food options. In addition, the increase in the number of people diagnosed with food-related disorders such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and allergies has contributed enormously to the high demand for free from food.
One of the broad trends observed in this market is the increasing variety of free from food offerings across different categories, including snacks, dairy substitutes, gluten-free bakery products, plant-based beverages, and meat alternatives. The consumers are not only limited to the few but rather have access to a vast variety of gourmet, ready-to-eat, and organic choices as the market is changing. It is a clear trend among the developed markets of North America and Europe as it has shown to be on an increase by innovations driven from the consumer's demand for free from food.
A related trend is increasing in the penetration of plant-based food. Veganism and plant-based diets have soared in popularity in the last two to three years. Free-from products often naturally appeal to those adopting vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets. Brands continue to innovate on an array of free-from options including dairy-free cheese, meat-free proteins, etc. In addition, the expansion of e-commerce helps consumers to get specialized free-from products much easier. This growth is expected in both urban and rural regions. Growing demand for healthy and allergen-free foods will help in sustaining high growth rates in the global free from food market for the future years.
Key Market Attributes
In January 2025, the Nestlé company has broadened its portfolio with the addition of a variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based snack bars offered under the "Garden Gourmet" umbrella brand, for which the demand is becoming a trend that could be beneficial. Nestlé’s innovative formulations, using ingredients like oats, legumes, and grains, address multiple dietary restrictions while focusing on taste and texture. This development positions Nestlé to capture a larger share of the free-from and plant-based snack sectors, which are projected to see significant growth over the next 4-5 years.
Mondelez International took a big step in the free from food market by acquiring the leading plant-based and allergen-free snack brand, "Nature's Delight," in November 2024. This is part of the long-term strategy of Mondelez to capitalize on the rising demand for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan products. Its portfolio comprises allergen-free cookies, granola bars, and plant-based chocolates, for example, which is the perfect way the deal can enable Mondelez to advance in its share in the increasingly rapidly expanding health-conscious consumer market. With such strategic acquisitions, Mondelez stands better suited to gain solid footing in free-from and plant-based, projected to have a significant expansion phase in the coming decade.
In October 2024, Unilever announced the acquisition of The Vegetarian Butcher, a leading plant-based food company, to expand its portfolio of free from foods. This strategic move is designed to strengthen Unilever’s presence in the plant-based and allergen-free food sectors, aligning with the growing global demand for vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free alternatives. Unilever’s acquisition will enhance its ability to provide a wide range of free-from products, focusing on plant-based meat and dairy substitutes, further tapping into the health-conscious consumer trend. This development is expected to impact on the market over the next decade, as Unilever strengthens its position in the rapidly expanding free-from category.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
USD 89.2 billion
Largest Segment
Gluten-Free
Fastest Growth
Dairy-Free
Growth Rate
13.3% CAGR
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Global Free From Food Market is segmented by Type, End Product, Distribution Channel and region. Based on Type, the market is segmented into Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Meat-Free, GMO-Free, Sugar-Free and Lactose-Free. Based on End Product, the market is segmented into Baby Food, Dairy-Free Foods, Meat Substitutes, Beverages, Bakery Products and Snacks. Based on Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online Retail Stores, Convenience Stores and Specialty Stores. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Analysis by Type of Ingredient Excluded
As per categorization by type of ingredient excluded, the market is classified as gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, sugar-free, and organic. Among these, gluten-free earned the largest share and continues to hold the dominant global free from food market share. Current innovation in the global free from food market has been on ingredients that are gluten-free-based, which have been driven by increasing awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, among other innovations that health-conscious consumers seek. Rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca are leading contenders as wheat alternatives, thereby making it possible to prepare gluten-free breads, pastas, and snack foods. As demand for allergen-free foods is on the rise, gluten-free product lines dominate the market as consumers look for products that meet their dietary needs and preferences.
Dairy-free ingredients are expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the global free from food market due to several driving factors. Rising lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, and increasing plant-based diets have led consumers to seek dairy alternatives. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut-based products are popular ingredients that are gaining popularity, both for health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. Continuing demand for vegan and dairy-free products, advances in formulation that allows products to emulate the taste and texture of dairy, will fuel growth in this segment for years to come. Greater availability and variety of dairy-free ingredients will also increase market reach.
Analysis by End Product
Innovation in the bakery segment of the global free from food market is rapidly advancing, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free options becoming mainstream. Ingredients such as rice flour, tapioca starch, and almond flour are commonly used to make gluten-free breads, cakes, and pastries. Improvements in taste, texture, and nutritional content help free-from bakery products gain more acceptance due to the demand for healthier, indulgent alternatives. Bakery products lead the market as they are most widely consumed in daily diets and due to increasing knowledge about food intolerance, therefore posing as a starting point for free-from product innovation. Hence, consumers prefer delectable and safe alternatives.
Beverages are set to be the fastest-growing segment in the global free-from food market due to rising consumer demand for plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Non-dairy drinks, such as almond milk, oat milk, and coconut water, are the new rage in the beverage world, as well as among lactose-intolerant consumers, health-conscious customers, and adherents to a vegan diet Innovative flavor and nutritional content along with increasingly available functional beverages, for example, plant-based protein shakes and gluten-free drinks, drive this increase. The demand for free-from beverages will expand rapidly during the next few years because beverage consumers want more diverse and healthier alternatives.
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North America holds the maximum market share of the global free from food market mainly as consumers here are much more aware about health and wellness. Increasing cases of food allergy are also present along with high demand for allergen-free, gluten-free, and plant-based products. Further, robust retail infrastructure and online portals provide various free-from food alternatives.
Headlined by the US, North America holds a firm footing with regard to this development; in large measure as a mushrooming section of its customers prefer gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based diets. Also contributing factors in North America include rising consumer knowledge of food allergies and rising celiac diseases; coupled with an already highly healthy population segment.
Europe is the fastest-growing region in the global free from food market due to a strong demand for gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based alternatives. Rising health awareness, increasing food allergies, and a growing vegan population are contributing to the market’s expansion, particularly in countries like the UK, Germany, and France.
The United Kingdom is a leading driver in Europe’s free from food market, driven by a high adoption rate of plant-based and allergen-free diets. Countrywide, health and wellness are more in the focus, and more people are opting for vegan diets, which has increased the free-from demand within the retail and foodservice markets.
Asia Pacific is witnessing significant growth in the global free from food market, fueled by rising consumer awareness of food allergies, intolerances, and health-conscious diets. Rising urbanization, increasing middle class population, and demand for plant-based and allergen-free diets contribute to the expanding demand for free-from products like gluten-free and dairy-free in the region. China, Japan, and India are the region's growth drivers, influenced by a mix of traditional dietary change and modern consumers' desire for healthier, cleaner food.
The MEA region is steadily growing in the global free from food market. increasing health consciousness, increasing food allergy occurrences, and plant-based diets are driving the demand for gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free products, while a growing, more cosmopolitan consumer base is continuously driving demand for gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free products. Key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa lead this trend, as consumers are preferring alternative food options, which are healthier in nature.
Gradual but steady increase in the Global Free-From Food Market in South America, which is motivated by the rise in health consciousness, growing food allergies, and the demand for plant-based diets. With urbanization and disposable income increasing, consumers in countries such as Brazil and Argentina are embracing gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free options. It is foreseen that the increasing awareness over the advantages of free-from foods along with growing retail and e-commerce accessibility will further boost market growth in the region.
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Free From Food Market Drivers
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Health Consciousness and Shift to Plant-Based Diets
Free From Food Market Restraints
Limited Availability and Distribution Challenges
Taste and Texture Barriers
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The global free from food market is very competitive and constantly innovating. It has the expansion of products. Leading international companies, including Nestlé, Danone, General Mills, and Unilever, have been at the forefront, providing a range of gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free products. These companies will be investing research and development, such as an improvement in product taste, texture, and nutrition value, which they are supplementing with expanding presence through targeted acquisitions and partnership arrangements to realize growing consumer demands for free-from foods.
Top Player’s Company Profiles
Recent Developments
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, the global free from food industry is growing rapidly on account of increasing awareness of food allergies, intolerance, and the adoption of more healthy, clean food options. Allergen-free, plant-based, and gluten-free alternatives are crowding the market with diverse and innovative choices. Nestle, Mondelez, and Unilever are in the best position to be availing of this trend with increased product launches and dedicated research and development investments to meet the growing demand.
As consumer health awareness and dietary requirements change, the market is going to continue its steady growth pattern. Obstacles such as taste and texture barriers and distribution issues will still be there, but the prospects for the free from food sector look bright in the future due to continued innovation and growing accessibility worldwide.
Report Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market size value in 2023 | USD 89.2 billion |
Market size value in 2032 | USD 274.43 billion |
Growth Rate | 13.3% |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
Segments covered |
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Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
Companies covered |
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
COVID IMPACT
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
Market Size by Region
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
Methodology
For the Free from Food Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Free from Food Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Free from Food Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Free from Food Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
Global Free from Food Market size was valued at USD 91.54 Billion in 2023 poised to grow from USD 103.66 Billion in 2024 to USD 280.29 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.24% in the forecast period (2025-2032).
The global free from food market is very competitive and constantly innovating. It has the expansion of products. Leading international companies, including Nestlé, Danone, General Mills, and Unilever, have been at the forefront, providing a range of gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free products. These companies will be investing research and development, such as an improvement in product taste, texture, and nutrition value, which they are supplementing with expanding presence through targeted acquisitions and partnership arrangements to realize growing consumer demands for free-from foods. 'Nestlé (Switzerland)', 'Danone (France)', 'General Mills (USA)', 'Unilever (United Kingdom/Netherlands)', 'Kellogg's (USA)', 'Mondelēz International (USA)', 'The Hain Celestial Group (USA)', 'Cargill (USA)', 'Dr. Schär (Italy)', 'Tyson Foods (USA)', 'Gluten Free Foods (New Zealand)', 'Amy's Kitchen (USA)', 'Freedom Foods Group (Australia)', 'Boulder Brands (USA)', 'The Kroger Co. (USA)'
One of the largest drivers of the global free from food market growth is the prevalence of food allergies and intolerances. The reason is that nowadays, with ever-increasing prevalence of gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and many others, the requirement for allergen-free and specialist products catering to these dietary constraints is rising by the day.
Surge in Plant-Based and Allergen-Free Products: Recently, the global free from food market trend has experienced a high demand for plant-based and allergen-free products due to health and ethical considerations made by consumers when adopting avoidance diets of gluten, dairy, and other animal-derived ingredients. E-commerce continues to be increasingly a major distribution channel, and through it, customers can access wide stocks of specialty food products through numerous platforms of online sales and through direct-to-consumer brands that are well-represented as gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free products.
North America holds the maximum market share of the global free from food market mainly as consumers here are much more aware about health and wellness. Increasing cases of food allergy are also present along with high demand for allergen-free, gluten-free, and plant-based products. Further, robust retail infrastructure and online portals provide various free-from food alternatives.
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