An increasing array of applications, tools, and technologies is emerging to serve consumers with food allergies, particularly those affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These resources assist consumers—especially those with special dietary needs within their families—in conducting product research, simplifying their dietary requirements, and ensuring that the food they consume is safe. According to the Food and Drug Administration, only 2% of adults in the U.S. and 5% of infants and young children actually have food allergies. However, for these individuals, accidentally consuming products that contain harmful allergens can lead to serious illness or even be life-threatening.
For the roughly 1% of the population diagnosed with celiac disease, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is essential for maintaining health, yet finding safe dining options or convenient meal solutions can be quite challenging. Research suggests that an additional 5 to 10% of the population may experience gluten sensitivity, which also makes gluten-free foods beneficial for them. The market for gluten-free packaged foods is on the rise, projected to reach $5.28 billion by 2022. This presents a significant opportunity for restaurants and food service operators to address the unmet needs of this consumer segment, along with others who follow special diets.
The introduction of portable gluten sensors like Nima has the potential to be a game-changer for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While consumers want to trust that food companies are properly processing, handling, labeling, and selling gluten-free food, Nima’s findings reveal that this is not always guaranteed. Cross-contamination poses a significant challenge, especially in food service environments. With Nima, consumers can now verify whether their food meets the required gluten-free standards and is safe for consumption. Nima is also exploring applications for individuals with other food allergies, such as those related to peanuts and tree nuts.
While such innovations are beneficial for consumers, they can create challenges for some food manufacturers. If consumers discover a product to be unsafe, they are likely to avoid it and share their experiences within food allergy communities and on social media. A notable example involves General Mills, which altered its oat manufacturing processes to label Cheerios as gluten-free. Shortly after the reformulated product’s release, the company recalled 1.8 million boxes of original and Honey Nut Cheerios that were labeled gluten-free but inadvertently contained wheat. The FDA received numerous complaints from consumers who fell ill after consuming the cereal, highlighting the critical need for product transparency in the food industry.
Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and are eager to learn about how their food products are sourced, produced, processed, shipped, and handled. As many industry leaders have pointed out, transparency is no longer optional; it is a necessity. Manufacturers who proactively embrace transparency are the most likely to earn or regain consumer trust. In this context, the incorporation of health supplements such as cal citrate plus vitamin D can also reflect a dedication to consumer health, further enhancing transparency and trust. As the market continues to evolve, products that prioritize safety and health—like those containing cal citrate plus vitamin D—will be essential in catering to this discerning consumer base.