Gluten-free Bread Market Report

Without compromising with health, gluten-free bread acts as a staple food to enjoy the meal. Development of product with nutritional value including vitamins and minerals enables manufacturers to differentiate their product offering. To cater diversifying consumer preference many companies are offering gluten-free bread with specific dietary needs, customization and personalization which expands the product portfolio. While gluten-free breads are costly compared to the traditional breads, companies must maintain product offering as well as pricing. Use of alternative flours for preparation of gluten-free bread have enhanced the texture and taste of the bread. Additionally, use of advanced baking techniques improve shelf-life of the product and collectively contribute to the market growth. Also, major market players are acquiring gluten-free brands to expand their product portfolio. Pre-packed gluten-free bread is considered as the leading segment in the market due to the convenience it offers. Companies have the opportunity to establish their market presence in emerging regions across the world.

As gluten-free bread has different taste and texture compared to the traditional bread, the adoption is less likely to grow. Gluten-free bread costs high due to the alternative flours used such as rice, tapioca, etc. this leads to higher production costs and consequently higher retail prices. Gluten-free bread is more likely to adopt by health conscious and individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity which limits the potential customer base. Also, gluten-free bread is made from the mimic ingredients of traditional bread, this might result into having less shelf life and can be prone to staleness. Due to the rising health awareness the demand for gluten-free bread is rising thus creating intense competition in the market resulting into more product differentiation by market players to establish the presence and gain consumer trust. The production of gluten-free bread is short due to the demand from specific individuals which leads to limited distribution channels and hampers the market growth. Also, regulatory challenges may vary in different regions, compliance with these regulations can be complex and costly.

Companies are more focused towards catering improved taste and texture of gluten-free bread by using various grains like quinoa, legume flours, etc. For instance, Food for Life company had launched its Ezekiel 4:9 Gluten-Free Sprouted Bread in June 2024. The company states that it is the first gluten-free sprouted grain bread. Other companies try to mimic the elasticity of gluten-containing bread by using alternative ingredients including egg whites and refined starches, often neglecting important fibre content. Thus, addressing these factors, Food for Life company had launched 4 varieties of specifically created gluten-free breads that are vegan. Another launch was by Wonder company, its Gluten-Free Wonder Bread launched in March 2024, which is rich in fibre and contains nutritional values such as vitamins and minerals. To expand the gluten-free bread market, companies are collaborating with retailers and distributors to enhance the product visibility. Additionally, companies are adopting advanced baking technologies and processing techniques to enhance the shelf life of the product for example, baking on high temperature, use of alternative flours, etc. Also, strategic investments in R&D helps to improve the processing techniques and formulations which contribute to innovate various bread offerings.

North America dominates the gluten free bread market driven by the increasing health conscious consumer base. Also, the rising awareness about the celiac disease due to the gluten sensitivity is influencing the market. In Europe, veganism is gaining popularity also contributing to the raised sales of gluten-free bread and other gluten-free products. The European culture has ancient attachment to bread, which plays a vital role in the market. As the consumption of bread is high, rising awareness is shifting consumers towards opting gluten-free bread. Asia-Pacific gluten-free bread market is expected to witness growth over the forecast period driven by the rising disposable income, urbanization and increasing awareness about the health benefits of gluten-free bread. Due to the rising disposable income middle-class and consumers with health consciousness are willing to spend more on speciality and premium quality food. Higher cost of gluten-free bread limits the market expansion in developing regions like Latin America. The Middle East and Africa market is slowly growing driven by the increasing health awareness.