“Rising Popularity of Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookies”
- A significant and accelerating trend in the global cookies market is the rising popularity of gluten-free and vegan cookies, driven by growing consumer awareness of dietary restrictions, health-conscious eating, and ethical consumption habits
- For instance, leading brands such as Lenny & Larry’s and Enjoy Life have expanded their product lines to include cookies that are both gluten-free and vegan, catering to a diverse set of consumers including those with celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or those following plant-based diets
- Manufacturers are investing in innovative formulations using alternative flours such as almond, oat, or chickpea, along with plant-based sweeteners and dairy substitutes, to ensure taste and texture that rival traditional cookies. These advancements have helped gluten-free and vegan options shed their reputation as inferior substitutes, making them attractive to mainstream consumers
- Retailers and e-commerce platforms are also dedicating more shelf space and digital categories to “free-from” and plant-based cookie options, highlighting their increasing appeal across developed and emerging markets alike
- This trend is reshaping the competitive landscape of the cookies market, encouraging both legacy brands and new entrants to diversify offerings and promote transparency in labeling and sourcing. Brands that align with clean-label, allergen-free, and sustainable values are seeing higher consumer loyalty
- The demand for gluten-free and vegan cookies is growing rapidly across multiple consumer segments, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are more inclined toward conscious consumption and health-oriented snacking preferences
