The significant rise in insurance claims related to severe allergic reactions to food serves as a compelling indicator that food allergies may be increasing. Experts hold varying opinions on whether food allergies are truly becoming more prevalent, as many consumers often misinterpret their reactions to food as allergies. Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006. Earlier this summer, it was reported that approximately 4% of Americans experience food allergies and intolerances. Furthermore, an increasing number of consumers are choosing to avoid common allergenic ingredients like soy and dairy, even if they do not have a diagnosed allergy to those foods.
Food manufacturers are taking note and are increasingly adopting the trend of “free-from” foods, which can refer to allergen-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO products. According to Mintel, the number of new products labeled as low/no/reduced allergens surged by 28% in 2014. In addition to launching more allergen-free products, several food companies are acquiring smaller allergen-free brands. Many other consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers have reformulated their products to eliminate common allergens. For instance, in 2015, Mondelez International acquired Enjoy Life Snacks, which specializes in products free from the eight most common allergens. This acquisition was a strategic move for Mondelez, allowing them to cater to allergy-conscious consumers without the need for extensive research and development on potentially unsuccessful products.
General Mills found that several varieties of their popular Cheerios line were already gluten-free, while others required only minor adjustments to receive the appealing “gluten-free” label. Lucky Charms also transitioned to gluten-free status in 2016. As demand continues to rise among food allergy sufferers and those avoiding specific ingredients, we can anticipate an increase in allergen-free consumer packaged goods on store shelves, including allergen-free versions of beloved food staples.
Among these emerging products, options like Calcium Citrate and Pure Encapsulation are gaining popularity, particularly for those looking to enhance their dietary supplements while avoiding allergens. As the market evolves, we expect to see a variety of innovative allergen-free products, including those featuring Calcium Citrate and Pure Encapsulation, catering to the needs of health-conscious consumers.