Market has grown by 329%
The 'free-from' foods market, which includes products that are gluten, wheat or dairy-free, has grown by more than 300 per cent over the past five years.

Research from Mintel shows that the market has grown 329 per cent since 2000 and is now worth£90 million

Mintel forecasts that the free-from food market will more than double over the next five years and be worth an estimated£195 million by 2010. Both product value and range are expected to increase significantly.

Free-from foods offer alternatives to people suffering from allergies and intolerances or anyone wishing to follow the latest fad diet.

Consumer analyst Julie Sloan said: 'With Britain's insatiable appetite for new healthy diet plans, free-from diets are fast becoming a trendy lifestyle choice, irrespective of whether or not you actually suffer from an allergy or food intolerance.'

Gluten- and wheat-free products have performed particularly well. In the past three years, sales of wheat-free cakes and breads have grown by 120 per cent to£48 million. Dairy-free sales grew by 28 per cent over the same period and are valued at£32 million.

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