Free-from foods in Europe - statistics and facts
In the past ten years, free-from foods have slowly become mainstream health-food products; once belonging to the realm of those with food allergies and intolerances, modern consumers are turning to free-from foods for an array of reasons. Not only are consumers becoming increasingly aware of their food, such as what it contains and the processes behind its manufacturing, but there are also wider concerns regarding animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The general population has also been experiencing rising levels of food intolerances and allergies, such as celiac disease, as well as more general digestive sensitivities. In combination with the increasingly health-conscious consumer, free-from foods have gained a reputation as being healthier alternatives to their animal-based counterparts, both for those with allergies and those without.
