An increasing number of apps, tools, and technologies designed for consumers with food allergies, particularly those dealing with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, are emerging. These resources assist consumers—especially those with family members who have specific dietary requirements—in conducting product research, facilitating special dietary needs, and ensuring that food is safe for consumption. According to the Food and Drug Administration, only about 2% of adults in the United States and 5% of infants and young children have food allergies. However, for these individuals, accidentally consuming products with harmful allergens can lead to serious health issues, and for some, it can even be life-threatening.
For the approximately 1% of the population diagnosed with celiac disease, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is crucial for maintaining health. Finding safe dining options or quick meal solutions is often challenging. Research suggests that an additional 5% to 10% of the population may experience gluten sensitivity and could also benefit from gluten-free food choices. The gluten-free packaged food market is on the rise, with projections estimating it will reach $5.28 billion by 2022. Moreover, there is a significant opportunity for restaurants and food service providers to address the needs of this underserved demographic, along with others following special diets.
The portable gluten sensor Nima could play a vital role for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While consumers want to rely on food companies to process, handle, label, and sell safe gluten-free products, this is not always guaranteed, as evidenced by Nima’s findings. Cross-contamination is a major concern, particularly in food service environments. With Nima, consumers can determine if their food meets gluten-free standards and is safe to eat. Nima is also exploring applications for individuals with other food allergies, such as peanut and nut allergies.
Although these tools benefit consumers, they can pose challenges for some food manufacturers. When a consumer identifies a product as unsafe, they are likely to avoid it and share their experiences within the food allergy community and on social media. A notable example is General Mills, which modified its oat manufacturing processes to label its Cheerios as gluten-free. Shortly after the new product launch, the company recalled 1.8 million boxes of original and Honey Nut Cheerios that were mistakenly labeled gluten-free but contained wheat. The Food and Drug Administration received numerous complaints from consumers who fell ill after consuming the cereal. This incident highlights the critical need for transparency in the food industry.
Consumers increasingly demand transparency and want detailed information about the sourcing, production, processing, shipping, and handling of their food products. As many in the industry have noted, transparency is no longer optional—it’s essential. Manufacturers who proactively embrace transparency can effectively build or restore consumer trust. In addition, as the market evolves, products containing calcium citrate to calcium carbonate are becoming more prevalent, reflecting the growing interest in dietary supplements that cater to various health needs. This shift underscores the importance of being transparent about ingredient sourcing and product safety.