Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Rising Food Allergies Drive a Swelling Specialty Market

'Free-from' foods will bring in $3.9B this year

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 8, 2008 12:19 PM CDT

(Newser) – As the number of people with allergies soars, so does the “free-from” food market—that is, foods that avoid common allergens like peanuts, the Washington Post reports. Specialty foods are expected to bring in $3.9 billion this year, a study says, while gluten-free products will likely bank some $1.3 billion by 2010. Special-needs customers have become a coveted slice of the market.

Some 12 million Americans have food allergies, while another 2 million have celiac, or gluten intolerance. The number of kids with peanut allergies has doubled in the past decade, leaving doctors stumped, but propelling specialty foods from a niche market to the mainstream. “There's a market opportunity, there's no doubt about it,” says a peanut-free retailer.

A Colorado elementary school posts signs reminding students not to bring peanuts into the classroom.
A Colorado elementary school posts signs reminding students not to bring peanuts into the classroom.   (KRT Photos)
Leah Steans-Gail drops spoonfuls of gluten free chocolate chip muffin mix into a muffin tin held by their mother.
Leah Steans-Gail drops spoonfuls of gluten free chocolate chip muffin mix into a muffin tin held by their mother.   (KRT Photos)
General Mills has announced that Rice Chex cereal is now gluten-free.
General Mills has announced that Rice Chex cereal is now gluten-free.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Hottest Celeb Diet: Gluten-Free

Food Allergies? 75% Are Bogus

Why This Bagel Is Becoming More Dangerous

Whole Foods' Labels Tell Half the Story

Eat Less, Or the Icecaps Melt


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne