![M. Shahbandeh](https://cdn.statcdn.com/static/../CMS/contactperson/ERI1239_1592297431.png)
Retail sales of gluten-free food in Canada 2008-2017
Gluten-free bakery and confectionary products were expected to produce most market revenue in 2018, followed by snacks and backing mixes and flours.
What is gluten?
Gluten is the name for proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten acts as glue holding foods together, and therefore maintaining their shape. Some experience adverse effects when they consume gluten, such as stomach pain and bloating. These are signs of a gluten-intolerance. In more serious cases, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues when gluten is included in their diet. This is known as celiac disease. Intolerances, allergies and diseases such as these create a growing market for gluten-free food.
Gluten-free shopping in Canada
According to a recent survey, around nine percent of Canadians purchase gluten-free food at least once a week, and around 13.5 percent spend between 15 and 50 Canadian dollars on such products per month. Some would rather replace gluten in their diets then eat gluten-free food; over three quarters stated that they eat fruit and/or vegetables in its place.
Retail sales of gluten-free food in Canada were forecast to reach around 812 million Canadian dollars in 2017. This is an increase of over 450 percent since 2008, when retail sales amounted to approximately 179 million Canadian dollars. What is gluten?
Gluten is the name for proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten acts as glue holding foods together, and therefore maintaining their shape. Some experience adverse effects when they consume gluten, such as stomach pain and bloating. These are signs of a gluten-intolerance. In more serious cases, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues when gluten is included in their diet. This is known as celiac disease. Intolerances, allergies and diseases such as these create a growing market for gluten-free food.
Gluten-free shopping in Canada
According to a recent survey, around nine percent of Canadians purchase gluten-free food at least once a week, and around 13.5 percent spend between 15 and 50 Canadian dollars on such products per month. Some would rather replace gluten in their diets then eat gluten-free food; over three quarters stated that they eat fruit and/or vegetables in its place.