Europe Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The europe gluten-free foods and beverages market size is expected to grow from USD 6.64 billion in 2025 to USD 7.12 billion in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 10.38 billion by 2031 at 7.83% CAGR over 2026-2031. This report is Segmented by Product Type (Bakery Products, Meats/Meat Substitutes, Dairy/Dairy Substitutes, and More), Nature (Conventional, Organic), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, Other Distribution Channels), and Geography (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Europe Gluten-Free Foods And Beverages Market Trends and Insights

Rising celiac disease diagnosis rates increase baseline demand

In 2024, the prevalence of biopsy-confirmed celiac disease in Europe was 0.8%, while serological screening identified diagnostic markers in 1.3% of the population. The incidence of celiac disease is increasing at an annual rate of 7.5%, driven by the adoption of proactive testing protocols by gastroenterologists for patients with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. In Germany, an estimated 800,000 to 900,000 individuals are affected by celiac disease. However, in 2023, only a small percentage of the national population purchased gluten-free foods, indicating that diagnosed patients constitute a minority of category buyers, with lifestyle-driven demand dominating market volume. Italian cohort studies conducted in 2022, involving thousands of celiac patients, reported high rates of dietary adherence. However, a notable portion of these patients occasionally consumed gluten-containing products due to factors such as price, taste, or availability. This indicates that medical necessity alone does not guarantee consistent purchasing behavior. In Germany, the Celiac Society's certification program, which ensures product compliance with the threshold of 20 parts per million gluten, has significantly expanded its approved product list since 2024. This growth reflects manufacturers' recognition of third-party validation as a means to build consumer trust in a market where it remains fragile. While rising diagnosis rates provide a stable foundation for demand, the primary growth driver for the gluten-free segment is the significantly larger group of non-celiac consumers. This group, which far exceeds the diagnosed population, views gluten avoidance as a wellness choice rather than a medical necessity.

Growing awareness of non-celiac gluten sensitivity expands consumer base

In 2024, the prevalence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity in Europe reached 12%, with 40% of affected individuals adhering to gluten-free diets despite not having biopsy-confirmed celiac disease. This consumer segment focuses on symptom relief rather than strict dietary compliance and tolerates occasional cross-contamination. Finnish longitudinal data revealed an increase in non-celiac gluten sensitivity diagnoses from 0.2% in 2000 to 0.7% in 2011, with the trend accelerating after 2020 due to the adoption of telemedicine consultations and direct-to-consumer antibody testing, which reduced diagnostic barriers. Research conducted in Portugal in 2024 identified gluten intolerance in a significant portion of the population, with a majority of respondents regularly consuming functional foods. This indicates that gluten-free product positioning aligns with broader clean-eating and gut-health trends, appealing to consumers beyond those with formal diagnoses. The non-celiac segment demonstrates higher price sensitivity and brand-switching behavior compared to medical users, presenting opportunities for private-label programs and direct-to-consumer subscription models that emphasize convenience over clinical endorsement.

Strict regulatory compliance increases certification burdens

European Union Regulation 828/2014 requires gluten-free claims to be verified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. However, the lack of harmonized sampling protocols across member states compels manufacturers to perform redundant batch testing for cross-border distribution, significantly increasing compliance costs. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization imposes annual fees that vary based on facility size and product count, in addition to per-product testing costs. These expenditures reduce profit margins for mid-tier brands and discourage small artisan producers from seeking third-party certification. Post-Brexit regulatory divergence between the European Union and the United Kingdom has resulted in dual-compliance requirements for exporters. Among surveyed manufacturers, a notable percentage reported that differences in labeling and testing standards delay product launches by several months and add substantial administrative costs annually. In 2024, Germany's Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety issued multiple gluten-contamination warnings, leading to product recalls that cost affected brands significantly in lost inventory, retailer penalties, and reputational damage. This risk profile discourages new market entrants and consolidates market share among established players with strong quality-management systems.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Lifestyle adoption by non-celiac consumers boosts premium positioning
• Clean-label preferences drive demand for natural ingredients
• Cross-contamination risks erode consumer confidence

Segment Analysis

Bakery products are projected to account for 45.34% of the European gluten-free market value in 2025. This dominance is driven by the daily consumption of bread and biscuits by celiac patients. Beverages are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.12% through 2031, marking the fastest growth among product types. This growth is attributed to innovations in gluten-free beer, such as rice-malt formulations and sorghum-quinoa craft brews, which achieve gluten levels below 5% parts per million while maintaining sensory profiles comparable to conventional lagers. In May 2025, White Rabbit introduced gluten-free biscotti and gnocchi through Sainsbury's and Ocado, targeting premium consumers willing to pay GBP 3.50 per 200-gram pack. This strategy highlights how artisan brands cater to the 35% of European shoppers dissatisfied with the healthy-product assortment at their primary grocery stores.

Meats and meat substitutes, dairy and dairy substitutes, and sauces, dressings, and seasonings collectively account for 28% of the category's value. In these segments, gluten-free claims often serve as secondary attributes, following plant-based, organic, or high-protein positioning. As a result, dedicated product development is limited, and gluten-free variants are typically introduced as line extensions rather than standalone products. Manufacturers are addressing micronutrient deficiencies, a key health concern in the gluten-free category, with innovations such as rice-chickpea extruded snacks fortified with passion fruit fiber. Prozymi Biolabs' enzyme technology, launched in February 2025, enables the degradation of gluten peptides in wheat flour to levels below 20% parts per million. However, regulatory concerns, including the European Food Safety Authority's 2025 warning about residual immunogenic peptides in enzyme-treated barley, have delayed commercial adoption. This has reinforced consumer preference for naturally gluten-free grains, particularly in the bakery products segment.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Product Type
  • Bakery Products
  • Meats/Meat Substitutes
  • Dairy/Dairy Substitutes
  • Sauces, Dressings, and Seasonings
  • Snacks and RTE Products
  • Beverages
  • Other Product Types
• By Nature
  • Conventional
  • Organic
• By Distribution Channel
  • Supermarkets / Hypermarkets
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online Retail
  • Other Distribution Channels
• By Country
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Belgium
  • Austria
  • Portugal
  • Denmark
  • Rest of Europe

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Dr. Schär AG/SPA
• General Mills Inc.
• Warburtons Ltd.
• Genius Foods Ltd
• Hain Celestial Group
• Conagra Brands Inc.
• Nestlé SA
• Amy’s Kitchen Inc.
• Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods
• Barilla Group
• Kraft Heinz Company
• Kellogg Company
• Hero Group
• Dawn Foods
• London Food Corporation
• Golden West Specialty Foods
• Schärbäckerei GmbH
• Grupo Airos
• Freee Foods Ltd
• Beneo GmbH

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support