Gluten free recipes are just one of the many food trends that are expected to be popular in 2024. For those people who show signs of coeliac disease, or those who are already eating gluten free products, the time has come where the diet and lifestyle is on the wider agenda. Let’s take a look at some of the food trends for 2024 and how gluten-free products sit in that world.
The growing popularity of gluten-free and plant-based products
Over the last twenty years or so, the UK has shifted quite significantly in how it eats on the whole. There has been a change towards both plant-based and gluten-free diets in particular during this time, especially in the last few years. The health-conscious consumer has increased in number in recent years, and with the NHS estimating that one in 100 people in the UK are affected by coeliac disease, many of whom are undiagnosed, there is expected to be an increase in interest of gluten-free food over the coming years. There is also an increase in interest of gluten-free drinks (including alcoholic drinks) as well as an expectation that restaurants, bars, and cafés will offer gluten-free options and alternatives.
Gluten-free snacking
One area in which gluten-free trends are moving this year is with gluten-free snacking. Snacking is an important part of our diet. Healthy snacking can prevent you from overeating when it comes time to your main meal and healthy diets are all about portion sizes when putting together a plate for your main meals. Snacking can also provide extra nutrients throughout the day and can help you to maintain alertness depending on what type of snacks you eat. There is so much choice when it comes to gluten-free snacking, from choosing gluten-free crackers and carrot dip to fruit, seeds, nuts, and gluten-free chocolate, you can be snacking away with pleasure.
At this moment in time the gluten-free bakery product section of the industry is the most popular, and although this isn’t expected to experience a drop in popularity, it could be caught up by gluten-free snacks in the near future as a popular choice. This is due to the improvement in gluten-free snacking options.
Buckwheat in the spotlight
One of the food trends for 2024, not just gluten-free related, is that of buckwheat, which is expected to have its moment in the spotlight. It is more popular than ever before because it is a superfood. Its makeup of protein, fibre, and carbs, along with the fact that it is naturally gluten-free make it one of the most popular gluten-free foods to look out for this year. Use buckwheat to make noodles, but also in crackers, granola, and in plant-based milk alternatives in 2024 and beyond.
Gluten free instant noodles
Who would have thought that gluten-free instant ramen would be a thing, but it is. We really do live in the future. There are some gourmet options for instant noodles being released by different brands, bringing the therapeutic and warming sensation of noodles and broth into 2024 and a gluten-free diet with a bang!
How does the future look for gluten-free?
Looking at the past and current trends, it is an exciting time for the gluten-free market over the coming years. It is expected that the UK market will continue to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% between 2023 and 2030 expected. The market for plant-based products is similarly expected to continue in popularity, as a greater number of people look to shift away from meat-based diets whether for personal preference, a commitment to sustainability and the environment or for health reasons.
With innovation in all areas of gluten-free food, such as scientific research into improving the next generation of gluten-free bread, as well as a commitment to a consistent standard of high quality products from companies selling gluten-free and plant-based products, the interest in the area will likely only increase.
If you are of the mind to try gluten-free products or you have received a coeliac disease diagnosis and are interested in finding out more about gluten free recipes and products on prescription, the growing popularity and trends for 2024 means that there has never been a better time to eat a gluten-free diet. With support in the form of gluten free prescriptions and a wider array of choices for those following a gluten-free diet than ever before, the future trends are positive for coeliacs.
