An increasing array of apps, tools, and technologies are emerging to support consumers with food allergies, particularly those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These resources assist consumers—especially those with specific dietary requirements within their families—in conducting product research, simplifying the management of special dietary needs, and ensuring the safety of their food. According to the Food and Drug Administration, only 2% of U.S. adults and 5% of infants and young children have food allergies. However, for this demographic, consuming products containing harmful allergens can lead to serious illness or even be life-threatening.
For the approximately 1% of the population diagnosed with celiac disease, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is essential for maintaining health. Unfortunately, locating safe dining options and quick meal solutions is often challenging. Additionally, studies suggest that another 5 to 10% of individuals may experience gluten sensitivity, which also makes a gluten-free diet beneficial for them. The gluten-free packaged foods market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach $5.28 billion by 2022. This growth presents a significant opportunity for restaurants and foodservice providers to better serve this underserved consumer segment, as well as others with special dietary needs.
The introduction of the portable gluten sensor, Nima, could be a game-changer for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While consumers wish to trust that food companies accurately process, handle, label, and sell gluten-free products, Nima’s findings suggest that this is not always the case. Cross-contamination is a major concern, particularly in foodservice environments. With Nima, consumers can verify whether their food meets gluten-free standards and is safe for consumption. The company is also exploring applications for individuals with other food allergies, such as peanut and nut allergies.
While tools like Nima are beneficial for consumers, they can pose challenges for certain food manufacturers. When consumers identify a product as unsafe, they are likely to stop purchasing it and share their experiences within the food allergy community and on social media. A notable case involved General Mills, which altered its oat manufacturing process to label Cheerios as gluten-free. Shortly after the reformulated product was released, the company had to recall 1.8 million boxes of original and Honey Nut Cheerios that were inadvertently contaminated with wheat. The FDA received numerous complaints from consumers who fell ill after consuming the cereal.
This incident highlights the necessity for product transparency in the food industry. Consumers are increasingly demanding more transparency regarding how their food products are sourced, produced, processed, shipped, and handled. As many industry experts assert, transparency is no longer an option but a requirement. Manufacturers who prioritize transparency are more likely to build or rebuild consumer trust.
In addition to dietary needs, consumers are also focusing on their overall health, including sufficient intake of nutrients such as lifetime calcium magnesium citrate. The awareness and demand for such nutritional products are also on the rise, further emphasizing the importance of transparency in food sourcing and processing. By incorporating these considerations, manufacturers can better cater to the holistic needs of health-conscious consumers, thereby enhancing their market position.