An increasing variety of apps, tools, and technologies are emerging to assist consumers with food allergies, particularly those affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These resources aid consumers—especially those with specialized dietary needs within their families—in conducting product research, making fulfilling dietary choices more manageable, and ensuring the food they consume is safe. According to the Food and Drug Administration, only about 2% of adults and 5% of infants and young children in the U.S. have food allergies. However, for this group, accidentally consuming products with harmful allergens can lead to 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 crucial for health, making it challenging to find safe dining options or quick meal solutions. Research indicates that an additional 5% to 10% of the population may experience gluten sensitivity, making them potential beneficiaries of gluten-free diets. The market for gluten-free packaged foods is on the rise, expected to reach $5.28 billion by 2022. This presents a significant opportunity for restaurants and food service providers to better serve this underserved consumer demographic, along with others following special diets.
The introduction of portable gluten sensors like Nima could prove vital for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While consumers wish to trust food companies to process, handle, label, and sell food safely for those who are gluten-intolerant, this trust can be misplaced, as Nima has demonstrated. Cross-contamination of food products remains a major concern, especially in food service environments. With Nima, consumers can verify whether their food meets gluten-free standards and is safe to eat. Nima is also exploring applications for individuals with other food allergies, such as peanut and nut allergies.
While beneficial for consumers, tools like Nima can pose challenges for some food manufacturers. When consumers discover that a product is unsafe, they are likely to abandon it and share their experiences within the food allergy community and on social media. A notable incident occurred with General Mills when it 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 after they were found to contain wheat. The Food and Drug Administration received numerous reports of consumers falling ill after eating the cereal. This incident highlights the critical need for transparency in the food industry.
Consumers today are increasingly demanding transparency, seeking to understand how their food products are sourced, produced, processed, shipped, and handled. As many industry experts have noted, transparency is no longer optional—it is a necessity. Manufacturers who proactively embrace transparency are best positioned to earn or regain consumer trust. Additionally, in the realm of dietary supplements, the smallest calcium citrate pills have gained popularity, as they are easier for consumers to incorporate into their routines, particularly for those managing dietary restrictions. The growing interest in health and nutrition further underscores the need for food and supplement manufacturers to be transparent about their product ingredients and sourcing processes.