Gluten-Free Desserts and Ice Creams Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

Gluten-Free Desserts and Ice Creams Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The gluten-free desserts and ice creams market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period.

There has been a significant increase in the demand for natural, organic, and good-for-health food products among consumers in recent years. Thus, the increased consumer demand for nutritious products and the rising number of clean-label product claims are supporting global market growth. The growing prevalence of gluten intolerance and celiac allergies is the primary reason for boosting the demand for gluten-free food products, such as desserts and ice cream. Other groups of consumers include those with a wheat allergy, autism, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and multiple sclerosis, as well as those who consume gluten-free products as part of the "free from" trend.

Consumers are inclined toward "clean living" with healthy dietary preferences. Also, gluten-free foods are now being perceived as mainstream lifestyle products. Many associations and organizations, such as the Association of European Coeliac Societies and the German Coeliac Society, are structuring the gluten-free market by specifying the use of gluten-free claims on pre-packaged foods. However, one of the major challenges for the growth of the global gluten-free dessert and ice cream market is the high price of gluten-free products compared to regular dessert and ice cream products, which is attributed to the high production cost and the cost of high-quality raw materials used.

Celiac disease, which is an auto-immune disorder affecting the small intestine and caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, has been found to increase in recent years. A survey was carried out by the Mayo Clinic, which showed three groups of people opting for a gluten-free diet. The first is the one with diagnosed celiac disease; the second is the one with undiagnosed celiac disease; and the third group consists of people without celiac disease who are avoiding gluten. According to Beyond Clinics, in 2021, around 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population, will have celiac disease. Other groups of consumers include those with wheat allergies, autism, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and multiple sclerosis, as well as those who consume gluten-free products as part of the "free from" trend. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, in Spain, the consumption volume of gluten-free dairy products was approximately 19.1% in 2021. An increase in the number of people with gluten intolerance, allergies, and celiac disease is driving the market.

In recent years, countries in the Asia-Pacific region have been the fastest-growing market for gluten-free products such as desserts and ice cream. This segment has been one of the most important, healthy alternatives for people with gluten intolerance and those who are health-conscious. Also, improved disposable income in the emerging markets region and significant spending by the upper-class population on healthy foods have fueled market growth. In January 2021, Prerna’s Handcrafted Ice Cream introduced India’s first gluten-free dairy ice creams that are prepared with low-fat cream (no milk at all) and have no stabilizers, emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or thickeners added to them. With increased interest in fitness among all the age groups in the region, consumers prefer non-gluten products over gluten products, which are considered unhealthy when compared to non-gluten products in the market. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, free-from-dairy product retail sales in South Korea will amount to around USD 410.7 million in 2022. Consumers inclined towards fitness, sports, and other health-related enthusiasts tend to prefer gluten-free products over conventional products in the on-the-go snack category.

The gluten-free dessert and ice cream market is highly competitive, with a large number of domestic and multinational players competing for market share. Some of the major players are Unilever Plc, Nestlé SA, The Hain Celestial Group Inc., Conagra Brands Inc., and General Mills Inc. Emphasis is given to the companies' mergers, expansions, acquisitions, partnerships, and new product development as strategic approaches adopted by the leading companies to boost their brand presence among consumers.

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