With the FDA ruling on gluten-free labeling standards, the popularity of gluten-free foods shows no signs of slowing down. According to recent research from Mintel, it’s not just the gluten-intolerant who are filling their carts with gluten-free products. Indeed, 65% of consumers who eat gluten-free foods do so because they think they are healthier, and 27% eat them because they feel they aid in their weight loss efforts.
“It’s really interesting to see that consumers think gluten-free foods are healthier and can help them lose weight because there’s no research affirming these beliefs,” says Amanda Topper, food analyst at Mintel. “The view that these foods and beverages are healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts is a major driver for the market, as interest expands across both gluten-sensitive and health-conscious consumers.”
From “A La Carte.” Wisconsin Restaurateur 81.1 (2014): 4. Print.
