Gluten-free baked goods are baked goods that do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies cannot consume gluten, so they must rely on gluten-free alternatives to enjoy baked goods.
To make gluten-free baked goods, alternative flours and starches are used in place of wheat flour. Some commonly used gluten-free flours include rice flour, corn flour, almond flour, coconut flour, and potato flour. Starches such as potato starch, cornstarch, and tapioca starch are often used to improve the texture and consistency of gluten-free baked goods.
Because gluten provides structure and elasticity to baked goods, gluten-free baked goods can be denser and crumblier than traditional baked goods. To improve the texture and rise of gluten-free baked goods, other ingredients such as xanthan gum, guar gum, or psyllium husk are often added to mimic the properties of gluten.
Gluten-free baked goods can include a wide range of products, including bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, pastries, and more. Many bakeries and food manufacturers now offer a variety of gluten-free baked goods to meet the growing demand for gluten-free options.
The market scope for gluten-free baked goods has grown significantly in recent years, as more people are diagnosed with celiac disease or choose to follow a gluten-free diet for other health reasons. The global gluten-free market is expected to reach $8.3 billion by 2023, with baked goods being one of the largest and fastest-growing segments.
The demand for gluten-free baked goods is driven by several factors, including:
1. Increased prevalence of celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. People with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet to manage their symptoms, which often include gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and skin rashes.
2. Growing awareness of gluten sensitivity: While not everyone has celiac disease, many people report feeling better when they avoid gluten. This has led to a growing market for gluten-free products, including baked goods.
3. Health and wellness trends: Many consumers are looking for healthier options, including gluten-free baked goods made with whole grains and natural sweeteners.
4. Improved taste and quality: As more companies invest in gluten-free baking technology, the taste and quality of gluten-free baked goods have improved significantly, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
Some of the major players in the gluten-free baked goods market include Schär, Udi's, Enjoy Life Foods, and General Mills. Major supermarkets and grocery stores also offer their own private label gluten-free baked goods, and many artisanal bakeries and specialty food stores now offer gluten-free options as well.
The major players in the Market for Gluten free baked goods are as follows:
1. Schär
2. Udi's
3. Enjoy Life Foods
4. Bob's Red Mill
5. General Mills
Commercial production of gluten-free baked goods typically involves the use of alternative flours and ingredients to replace wheat flour, which contains gluten. Some commonly used alternative flours include rice flour, corn flour, almond flour, coconut flour, and potato flour. Starches such as potato starch, cornstarch, and tapioca starch are also often used to improve the texture and consistency of gluten-free baked goods.
To mimic the properties of gluten and improve the texture and rise of gluten-free baked goods, other ingredients such as xanthan gum, guar gum, or psyllium husk may be added. These ingredients help to bind the dough or batter together and provide structure and elasticity.
Commercial production of gluten-free baked goods often involves specialized equipment and processes to ensure that the products are free from contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. This may include dedicated production lines and facilities, as well as testing procedures to verify that the products meet gluten-free standards.
In addition to traditional baked goods such as bread, cakes, and cookies, commercial production of gluten-free baked goods may also include specialty items such as pizza crusts, pastry dough, and crackers. Many companies also offer a variety of gluten-free baking mixes and pre-made doughs to make it easier for consumers to bake their own gluten-free treats at home.
Commercial production of gluten-free baked goods has become an important and growing segment of the baking industry, driven by the increasing demand for gluten-free options from consumers with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and other dietary restrictions.