Infographic of the Week: The Rise of Gluten-free

The gluten-free industry is a force to be reckoned with, and a trend worth following. 

What originated as a product category designed to meet the needs of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, has now become a behemoth $10.5 billion industry. Experiencing nearly 50 percent growth from 2011 – 2013, everything from gluten-free flours and crackers to protein bars and frozen meals are getting more and more shelf space each year, as consumer demand increases. In fact, from 2012 to 2013 a whopping 1, 500 new gluten-free products hit the market.

Created by specialtyfood.com, the infographic below leverages data from a report by Mintel International to shed light on just how much the industry has grown.

The graphic highlights some interesting consumer trend data as well. For example, 56 percent of consumers prefer to buy gluten-free foods at natural food stores, and almost a third choose to eat gluten-free to help with weight-loss, it notes. Additionally, more than 1 in 10 consumers reported that a gluten-free purchasing app would help impact their purchases (Technologists, let your gluten-free app wheels start spinning).  Check out all of the facts and figures of the gluten-free empire below.