How to Go Gluten-Free with Your Supplement Brand
Many people are going gluten-free, and it’s not because of celiac disease. According to New Hope Network, one percent of the U.S. population has celiac (about 3 million people), and another almost 13% has a non-celiac gluten sensitivity (about 40 million people). Gluten sensitivity is not the same as celiac disease because it is undetectable in a blood test but can still cause unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, stomach pain, and fatigue.
However, research has found an increase in the adoption of a gluten-free diet within certain subgroups who do not have a sensitivity to gluten—mainly white people, adults 20 to 39, and women. One of the biggest reasons for this rise can be attributed to the belief that gluten-free diets are healthier. This consumer shift has led to a growing number of alternative bread and grain products, along with a shift in shopping behavior as 55% of gluten-free consumers spend 30% or more of their grocery budget on gluten-free products.
To continue our mission of providing the highest quality dietary supplements, Paragon Laboratories is doing its part in improving the lives of people with celiac and other gluten-related disorders by receiving certification from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization
Established in 2005, the GFCO is an internationally recognized certification symbol dedicated to assuring consumers that certified products are safe and gluten-free. The organization has become the largest and fastest-growing gluten-free certification organization in North America, with almost 64,000 certified gluten-free products worldwide. This number is expected to grow by about 10% over the next 5 years.
The key to building a successful gluten-free product is building consumer confidence in your products and manufacturing as a recent survey found 76% of consumers actively look for the certification symbol on the packaging. This is why the GFCO program has set the highest standards in quality control and assurance for gluten-free certification. The program involves risk assessment, plant audits, equipment testing, and product testing.
2020 Gluten-Free Diet Trends
Androit Market Research projects the gluten-free product market will hit $7.6 billion by 2024 at a growth rate of 9.5% from 2019 to 2025. With this tremendous growth, the gluten-free product market will be transforming by these trends this year:
Gluten-Free Products Outside the Natural Food Space
Moving beyond food, consumers are seeking more gluten-free options in other products, such as dietary supplements and skincare products. Gluten-sensitive consumers do not want to put supplements like vitamins and probiotics on their lips because it can cause bad reactions and other health concerns.
The Rise in Label Transparency
With 29% of all shoppers seeking some type of certification on their products, label transparency has never been more important. Certifications can actually help smaller companies stand out among competitors that are not certified in certain areas.
A Growing Demand in Gluten-Free Vegan, Vegetarian, & Meat Alternatives
The majority of non-meat alternatives used to have fillers made from wheat, but this is changing. These non-meat alternative brands are not only setting their focus on going gluten-free but also dairy-free as it is common for consumers with celiac disease to have difficulty digesting inflammatory food groups, such as dairy.
For more assistance in expanding your business to include gluten-free products, Paragon’s gluten-free certification ensures your products meet the high standards of the GFCO. Learn more about our other certifications here.
