£800m gluten and dairy free boom

THEY were once niche products reserved for those with medical conditions.

But foods free from gluten and dairy have seen sales soar to £800million in the past year, thanks to a rise in healthconscious consumers.

More than three quarters of British high street shoppers have bought such items, according to data from market analysts Kantar Worldpanel.

Sales have been boosted by a rise in ‘lifestylers’ – typically younger shoppers who buy gluten-free and dairy-free products for perceived health benefits, researchers said.

Kantar’s Claire Liboureau told trade magazine The Grocer: ‘Free-from keeps growing at an accelerated rate, plus 38.5 per cent versus 27 per cent last year.’

Market researchers Mintel predict free-from will gain an additional £100million in sales by 2020. ‘The figure could be even higher if gluten-free products come off prescription as the Government has suggested, pushing more people into retail,’ The Grocer reported.