The significant rise in insurance claims related to severe allergic reactions to food suggests that food allergies may be becoming more prevalent. While experts are divided on this issue, noting that many consumers misidentify their food reactions as allergies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. Earlier this summer, it was noted that around 4% of Americans experience food allergies and intolerances. Furthermore, a growing number of consumers are choosing to avoid common allergens like soy and dairy, even if they do not have a diagnosed allergy to these ingredients.
Food manufacturers are responding to this trend by adopting the “free-from” approach, which encompasses 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 developing more allergen-free items, some companies are acquiring smaller brands that specialize in allergen-free products. Many other consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers have also reformulated their products to eliminate common allergens. For instance, in 2015, Mondelez International acquired Enjoy Life Snacks, a brand known for its products free from the eight most common allergens. This strategic move allows Mondelez to cater to allergy-conscious consumers without the need for extensive research and development on new products that may not succeed.
General Mills found that many variations of their popular Cheerios line were already gluten-free, while others required only minor adjustments to earn the appealing “gluten-free” label. Lucky Charms also became gluten-free in 2016. As the demand for allergen-free products continues to rise among those with food allergies and those simply avoiding certain ingredients, we can anticipate an increase in allergen-free CPGs on store shelves, including allergen-free versions of beloved food items.
In this context, “calcium citrate ke fayde” (the benefits of calcium citrate) is also worth mentioning, as consumers are increasingly looking for fortified allergen-free foods that can provide essential nutrients. As more products are developed to cater to this health-conscious market, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate can enhance the nutritional value of allergen-free offerings, making them even more appealing to consumers seeking both safety and health benefits.