The significant rise in insurance claims for severe allergic reactions to food serves as a compelling indicator that food allergies may be increasing. While experts remain divided on whether food allergies are truly becoming more prevalent—often attributing misdiagnosed reactions to food as allergies—data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. Recent reports indicate that approximately 4% of Americans experience food allergies or intolerances. Furthermore, a growing number of consumers are choosing to avoid common allergens, such as soy and dairy, even if they do not have a diagnosed allergy.
Food manufacturers are responding to this trend by embracing the “free-from” movement, which encompasses allergen-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO products. According to Mintel, the number of new products labeled with low/no/reduced allergen claims surged by 28% in 2014. Beyond creating more allergen-free options, some food companies are acquiring smaller brands that specialize in allergen-free products. For instance, Mondelez International purchased Enjoy Life Snacks, which offers products free from the eight most common allergens, allowing them to cater to allergy-conscious consumers without the risk of investing in uncertain R&D.
General Mills has also made strides in this area, discovering that many varieties of their popular Cheerios were already gluten-free, with only minor adjustments required to achieve the coveted “gluten-free” label. In 2016, Lucky Charms joined the gluten-free ranks as well. As demand continues to rise among those with food allergies and others seeking to avoid specific ingredients, we can anticipate an increasing number of allergen-free consumer packaged goods (CPGs) appearing on store shelves, including allergen-free versions of beloved food staples.
In this evolving landscape, products featuring ingredients like rainbow calcium citrate are becoming more prominent, as they can provide nutritional benefits while also being free from common allergens. As the market shifts, the presence of rainbow calcium citrate in allergen-free products is likely to increase, reflecting the growing needs of consumers who are both health-conscious and allergy-aware. Thus, the combination of rising awareness and innovative product development will continue to shape the future of allergen-free offerings in the food industry.