Nut-free Cookies Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Chocolate, Vanilla, Gingerbread), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The global nut-free cookies market size was valued at USD 924.1 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2020 to 2027. Growing demand for free-from and allergy-free food products is expected to fuel the market growth in the upcoming years. The number of people having allergy from tree nuts and peanuts has been rising across the globe, and hence widening the scope of the nut-free cookies. Nut-free cookies do not contain tree nuts and other gluten ingredients, which are available in numerous ingredients and flavors. As a result, these cookies are gaining popularity among consumers who have an allergy or suffering from diabetes or obesity. Nuts are the most common food usually associated with allergic reactions.

As per Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), food allergies are increasing in U.S. Tree nuts and peanuts hold 25% of the eight foods that represent 90% of all food-allergic consequences. As of 2019, more than 1.8 million children in the U.S. had this allergy. This is, in turn, increasing the demand for nut-free products.

Obesity is one of the major diseases growing significantly across the world. According to the World Health Organization, obesity has almost tripled ever since 1975. In 2018, around 40 million kids under the age of five were obese or overweight. In addition, over the past few years, consumers have been becoming more aware about their health and diet. Therefore, the demand for fat-free products has been rising. These factors are projected to fuel the nut-free cookies demand among health-conscious consumers in the upcoming years.

Furthermore, with the increasing demand for nut-free cookies, food companies have been investing in this category and introducing new products to capture the opportunity. For instance, in 2014, Lofthouse Cookies, a brand of Conagra Brand, changed its bakery production facility to a nut-free plant to cater to the growing demand for allergen-free products. Around 90% of the products of the company are free from nuts. The company has shifted its nut-based products to a facility in Illinois, U.S.

Product Insights

Chocolate-based nut-free cookies dominated the market with more than 45.0% share of the total revenue in 2019 and are expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. These nut-free cookies are the most popular type of confection over the world. Over the past few years, the world-wide cocoa consumption has increased significantly. Consumers in North America have been opting for dark chocolate, the healthier option. This trend has also positively impacted the growth of the confectionery and snacks industries. Considering the growing demand for chocolate food products, the manufacturers of the cookies industry have been expanding their chocolate product lines.

For instance, in May 2018, Nestlé S.A. introduced its Simply Delicious Morsels, a new range of allergen-free chocolate chip products. These products are entirely free from artificial flavors and eight key allergens, such as tree nut, peanut, egg, milk, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. The prime ingredients of these products include pure cane sugar, cocoa butter, and 100% real chocolate. This new product line offers two varieties: 67% Dark Chocolate and Semi-Sweet.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline distribution channel held the largest market share of over 80.0% in 2019. Several surveys have found that the majority of shoppers prefer grocery shopping from the physical store over online retails. The ability to check and pick out their own food items and experience and atmosphere of grocery shopping in brick-and-mortar retailers are the key factors attracting consumers to purchase from this distribution channel. Physical stores are offering competitive pricing and better shopping experience in order to retain their consumers. Big retail chains such as Walmart have been improving their services by providing “click and collect”. This allows consumers to place their order online and collect at the store.

Online distribution channel is projected to witness the fastest growth in the upcoming years. Among all the age groups, Generation Z and millennials are more inclined to online shopping. Along with the convenience of shopping, the advantage of price comparison is fueling the online sales of nut-free cookies. Consumers want to be assured they are having the best deal by checking prices from different retailers. In addition, buyers who shop for snacks from the e-commerce platform are less expected to be brand loyal. This trend has been offering opportunities for new players in the market.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market for nut-free cookies in 2019 with more than 30.0% share of the global revenue. Increasing number of people with food allergies in the U.S. has been fueling the growth of the market in the region. Millions of U.S. consumers have food allergic reactions each year. As there is no such remedy for these food allergies, people have to avoid those food allergens in order to prevent severe health consequences.

Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 6.7% from 2020 to 2027. However, the prevalence of peanut allergy is extremely low in Asia Pacific as compared to the Western regions. Over the past few years, growing health awareness among the consumers is anticipated to fuel the demand for nut-free cookies in the region in the upcoming years.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market can be characterized as a niche market with the presence of both small and large players. Over the past few years, new players have been entering the industry considering the growing demand for nut-free cookies. For instance, in June 2017, Just Desserts declared itself a tree peanut-free and nut-free bakery. The company has eliminated allergens from its bakery and the products are labeled “made in a nut-free bakery” clearly to better cater to its consumers. Some prominent players operating in the global nut-free cookies market include:

• MondelÄ“z International

• Conagra Brands, Inc.

• Nestlé S.A.

• Homefree LLC

• Rich Products Corporation

• Divvies LLC

• Not a Trace Pty Ltd.

• Skeeter Snacks, LLC,

• Darlington

• Terra Cotta Cookies Co

• Treasure Mills Inc.

• Just Desserts

Nut-free Cookies Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels, and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2027. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global nut-free cookies market report based on product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Chocolate

  • Vanilla

  • Gingerbread

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Offline

  • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa