Gluten Free Pasta Market Assessment, By Type [Brown Rice Pasta, Quinoa Pasta, Chickpea Pasta, Multigrain Pasta, Others], By Shape [Penne, Spaghetti, Fusilli, Others], By Category [Organic, Non-Organic], By End-user [Residential, Commercial], By Process [D

Gluten Free Pasta Market Assessment, By Type [Brown Rice Pasta, Quinoa Pasta, Chickpea Pasta, Multigrain Pasta, Others], By Shape [Penne, Spaghetti, Fusilli, Others], By Category [Organic, Non-Organic], By End-user [Residential, Commercial], By Process [Dried, Chilled/Fresh, Canned/Preserved], By Price Range [Value Segment, Premium Segment], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global gluten free pasta market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.22% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 1.29 billion in 2023 to USD 1.94 billion in 2031. The gluten free pasta market is driven by factors such as its health benefits due to amino acids provided by various gluten-free pasta for keeping consumers’ skin, muscles, and bones healthy. Rise in gluten intolerant consumers and its rich taste and texture are contributing to the rise in demand and growth of the gluten free pasta market.

Gluten consumption by celiac patients causes damage to the lining of the small intestine which prevents the absorption of nutrients efficiently. Hence, gluten free pasta is beneficial for such consumers. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, more than 3 million population suffer from celiac disease in the United States. Finland is a country where more than 1.8% of the total population suffers from celiac disease, one of the highest prevalence rates, globally. Gluten free pasta has a higher content of protein as compared to traditional pasta since they are made from grains like chickpea and quinoa which are rich in protein and fiber. Moreover, some gluten free pastas that are made from legumes have a lower glycemic index which makes it an ideal option for diabetic patients and consumers with insulin sensitivity issues.

To address these issues, the key players are launching a wide range of gluten free pasta and adding them to their offerings. For instance, in July 2023, Italy's Pasta Rummo, notified its availability at all the Stores of Whole Foods Market in the United States. The renowned brand launched 11 gluten-free and classic pastas at grocery chains like Mezzi Rigatoni and its Shells which are whole foods market exclusives. The gluten-free offerings from the brand include gluten-free fusilli, gluten-free penne rigate and gluten-free spaghetti. A rigorous production process is used to tailor the unique gluten-free ingredients to produce uniform superior results, every time the gluten-free pastas are produced.

Organic Gluten Free Pasta to Dominate the Market

Organic pasta is gaining more popularity than non-organic or conventionally cultivated pasta and is dominating the market for several reasons. The factors affecting its dominance are the ingredients grown without using any chemicals and fertilizers, catering the health-conscious consumers. Additionally, it appeals to the consumers as it is rich in nutrients and flavors when compared with non-organic pasta.

In January 2024, Suma Wholefoods launched its new product line of premium oat pastas. The company is a unique seller in the United Kingdom, offering a range of pasta, made with organic oats along with other ingredients like corn and rice flour, eliminating the traditional wheat flour, and making its space in the gluten-free pasta market. They launched their organic pasta in three varieties, namely, Rigatoni, Linguine, and Casarecce. The new product line is marketed in cardboard packaging, sourced from a forest that is sustainably managed. The boxes are 100 percent free from plastic and completely recyclable.

Chickpea Pasta to Show Dominance in the Market

Chickpea pasta is one of the latest forms which appeals to health-conscious consumers. It dominates the gluten free pasta market as it is a healthier option than other gluten free pasta like the all-purpose flour pasta. Moreover, chickpea pasta provides a greater level of protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Its protein and fiber help in supporting the management of blood sugar, digestive health, weight maintenance, and minimized risk of various health conditions. Protein and fiber in the chickpea also help in reducing the intake of calories throughout the day to control body weight.

Barilla America, Inc. broadens its offerings of chickpea pasta with the launch of its latest pasta in Orzo shape in March 2023. The range is free from any additions such as xanthan gum. The range of short cut, rice-shaped chickpea pasta contains 19 grams of protein which is plant-based in every 3.5 oz serving.

Fresh Home-made Pasta Options Appeal to the Consumers

Fresh pasta drives the market as consumers prefer it over dried and canned options. They appeal to consumers due to their richness in flavor and luscious texture. These pastas are smoother and softer in texture, get cooked quickly, giving a uniform finish as a whole. Fresh pastas are easily available at offline retail stores for consumers to enjoy their home-cooked meals.

Roberto Pittalis, popularly known as ‘The Pasta Man’ launched his latest business venture in June 2022 with a new product, a fresh, organic, vegan, and gluten-free pasta. The latest product marks the first fresh pasta product on the market. The Pasta Man used the legumes rather than wheat since he noticed that some consumers have food intolerance. So, he made use of alternatives like yellow peas chickpeas, broad beans and lentils to create his United Kingdom-sourced organic pasta. Moreover, it’s a fresh and pure pasta as it is free from any added colors and preservatives. The pasta is a complete package of protein and fiber and is low in calories and carbohydrates.

Penne Pasta Due to its Versatile Application Driving the Growth of the Market

Penne Pasta is versatile and has various culinary applications as it has a large diameter. Moreover, its ridges make it an ideal option for the retention of sauces, like alfredo lemon garlic ginger or arrabbiata, on its surface, both inside and outside. In Italy, dishes made from the penne pasta usually contain meat ragùs and chunky tomato sauces. While it is uncommon in Italy, to pair the penne pasta with light cream or seafood sauces. The penne pasta cooks quickly and easily, retaining its authentic shape and size with the ability to be pared with the wide range of sauces and dressings.

The Barilla America, Inc. launched its latest gluten free penne pasta, made with 19 grams in the serving of 3.5 oz, from chickpea in May 2022. This launch marks the expansion of single-ingredient legume pasta product line. Cylinder-shaped cut pasta with angled edges is a popular choice around the world as it is versatile and complements a wide variety of flavorful dishes.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The market is witnessing a gradual shift in the choices of the consumers as they are preferring the products which promote zero-waste concept and adopt sustainable agricultural practices while the complete process the product goes through, right from the sourcing of raw material to its distribution.

For instance, ZENB in June 2022 launched gluten free spaghetti noodles made from 100% yellow peas to its pasta range. The pasta is made from the complete yellow pea, including its skin which is typically discarded, to reduce the wastage of food and maximize the level of fiber in pasta with the aim of supporting sustainable agricultural practices. It is a certified vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO pasta. Every serving of spaghetti pasta consists of 11 grams of fiber and 17 grams of protein in it, without making any sacrifice on flavor or the texture of the pasta.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market of gluten free pasta are helping in the growth of the market by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers and catering to their evolving needs.

Jovial Foods, Inc. launched a new range of gluten free and organic Mac & Cheese pasta in February 2023. It launched two classic American dish SKUs in the gluten-free range, namely, Dairy Free Vegan Mac and White Cheddar. Jovial’s new Mac & Cheese offering will the authentic taste and texture of pasta. Additionally, Jovial Foods featured its latest Mac & Cheese at the Natural Products Expo West convention for the retailers in March 2023, in California. The company gave a 15% discount to its customers on the purchase of 12 boxes of any of its SKUs.