Gluten-Free Pasta Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The gluten-free pasta market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.35% from US$1,255.34 billion in 2022 to US$2,200.76 billion in 2029.

Gluten-free pasta is a dietary choice that meticulously avoids gluten, a protein composite commonly found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Predominantly consumed by individuals with gluten-related allergies and those fond of Italian cuisine, the market for gluten-free pasta is segmented into various categories, including ingredients, product types, distribution channels, and geographical regions.

A key market driver is the heightened awareness of the celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, and gluten sensitivity, a condition causing discomfort post-gluten intake. 

This awareness propels the demand for easily accessible gluten-free alternatives such as pasta. Moreover, the growing interest in health and wellness prompts many individuals to adopt gluten-free diets, irrespective of diagnosed gluten intolerance, driven by perceived health benefits associated with gluten-free living.

Gluten-free pasta is increasingly becoming available in supermarkets, online retailers, and specialty stores, enhancing accessibility for consumers seeking gluten-free options. This improved accessibility facilitates the integration of gluten-free choices into diverse diets. Additionally, the fast-paced lifestyle and rising demand for convenience foods influence the market, with ready-to-cook and pre-packaged gluten-free pasta options catering to consumers seeking quick and easy meal solutions.

The distribution channels for the global gluten-free pasta market are categorized into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail stores, and others. 

Supermarkets/ hypermarkets serve as traditional retail outlets offering a diverse array of gluten-free pasta options to cater to various consumer preferences. Convenience stores, strategically positioned for accessibility, provide gluten-free pasta options to consumers seeking convenient meal solutions on the go. 

Online retail stores leverage the convenience of e-commerce, offering a wide selection of gluten-free pasta for purchase from the comfort of consumers' homes, often with delivery options available. 

Others category encompasses specialty stores, health food stores, and niche retailers specializing in dietary preferences or restrictions, providing tailored gluten-free pasta options for discerning consumers.

The global gluten-free pasta market is poised for continued growth by catering to individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or specific dietary preferences. Manufacturers focusing on innovation, taste, convenience, and aligning with broader dietary trends are expected to capture a significant share of this expanding market.

Market Drivers:

Growing cases of gluten-related allergies are supporting the global gluten-free pasta market growth

Gluten intolerance is a medical condition where a person is unable to digest gluten and becomes ill as a result. Symptoms of gluten intolerance include fatigue, anxiety, diarrhea, joint pain, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, etc. Another medical disorder caused by gluten consumption is celiac disease. 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune ailment in which the patient's immune system destroys the small intestinal lining in reaction to gluten ingestion, resulting in malnutrition and other medical complications. The gluten-free diet is the only method to treat celiac disease. 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease, and studies show that as many as 1 in every 133 Americans may have it.  The rising incidents of gluten allergies and celiac disease have led to growing demand for gluten-free products, which is estimated to propel market demand even further

Growing demand for Italian dishes all over the world is also contributing to the demand:

The increasing popularity of Italian cuisine contributes significantly to the gluten-free pasta market growth. Italian culinary traditions have gained widespread recognition globally, celebrated for their delectable dishes like pizzas and pasta. Italian cuisine stands out for its simplicity, speed, and affordability, offering a wide range of vegetable and meat alternatives that appeal to various demographic groups.

October 25th marks World Pasta Day, a worldwide celebration of this beloved culinary staple. During October, nations across the globe come together to honor pasta while the scientific and medical community convenes at the annual World Pasta Congress. At this event, experts discuss the latest food trends, research findings, and consumption patterns related to pasta.

Market Restraint:

High prices, as compared to other types of pasta, are a major restraint

High prices, as compared to other types of pasta, along with high and volatile prices of raw materials, obstruct the global market for gluten-free pasta market growth during the projection period. Continuous product innovation and launches, especially in countries such as the US and the UK, are providing new opportunities for key market players.

Gluten-free pasta market segmentation  by ingredients into rice, corn, millet, and others

The gluten-free pasta market is segmented by ingredients into rice, corn, millet, and others. Rice-based products include options like brown rice pasta, white rice pasta, and blends of rice and corn pasta. 

Corn-based pasta is often favored for its affordability, making it a popular choice in budget-friendly gluten-free options. Millet-based pasta appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking a more nutritious gluten-free alternative.

Additionally, other ingredients utilized in gluten-free pasta include legume flour, pseudocereal flour, starch-based flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. These ingredients may serve as binders or be combined with other flours to enhance texture and flavor.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the gluten-free pasta market:

North America is anticipated to hold a significant market share in gluten-free pasta. This region will experience rapid expansion throughout the projection period due to the rising prevalence of gluten-related allergies among the North American population. Gluten-free pasta is in high demand in markets such as the United States and Canada. This region's market is also expanding as a result of the growing millennial population.

This region's market is expanding due to reasons such as changing eating habits and rising demand for healthy food products. The high popularity of Italian cuisine in countries such as the United States is also propelling regional market demand. According to the National Pasta Association data, the United States consumes 4.4 billion pounds of pasta per year. According to a National Pasta Association consumer survey, 86 percent of respondents ate pasta at least once a week. In addition, the prevalence of key market players such as  The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Ebro Foods, S.A., Jovial Foods Inc., and others also spurs the growth of gluten-free pasta in this region.

Market Developments:

• January 2023-  American pasta manufacturer based in Connecticut Jovial Foods, an organic, allergen-friendly food manufacturer, is expanding its gluten-free pasta offering with stelline pasta.
• June 2022- ZENB, an American direct-to-consumer plant-based food company, is expanding its existing range of gluten-free pasta to include spaghetti noodles. The single-ingredient spaghetti, which joins other pasta types in the brand range, such as rotini, penne, and elbows, is created from 100 percent yellow peas and is certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. 

Market Segmentation:

By Ingredients

• Rice
• Corn
• Millet
• Others

By Product Type

• Dried
• Chilled/Fresh
• Canned/Preserved

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail Stores
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• UK
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China 
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others