Gluten-free Beer Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Beer/Craft Beer, Lager, Ale), By Application (Online Retail, Offline Retail), and Regional Forecast to 2033

GLUTEN-FREE BEER MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Gluten-free Beer Market size was USD 7586.71 million in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 22794.04 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 13% during the forecast period.

Gluten-free beer is brewed using sorghum, rice, millet or buckwheat substitutes all of which can be consumed by people with wheat/barley gluten intolerance (celiac disease). It tastes and feels like normal beer but is gluten-free. Gluten free beer is a widely consumed drink used for informal gatherings, bars, coffee shops as well as in a number of drink formats, lagers, ales, and IPAs. They are responsive to the escalating pressure for mainstreaming drinks and are increasingly common, specifically niche/health-oriented markets.

The gluten free beer market is also growing due to the growing number of health awareness customers and also growing number of gluten intolerant and celiac disease patient people. This greater understanding of the risk associated with gluten consumption has led to a growing market for gluten-free substitutes. In addition, the rise in popularity of craft beer, specialty brews, and other craft beverages has rendered it an absolute necessity for breweries to provide a large variety of beers and meet the demand for gluten free. With consumers craving a combination of inclusivity and greater nutritionally relevant alcoholic beverage options, the market is growing and gluten-free beer sit in the mass and specialty market niches alike.

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KEY FINDINGS

• Market Size and Growth: The Gluten-free Beer Market size was USD 7586.71 Million in 2024, is projected to grow to USD 8562.50 Million by 2025 and exceed USD 22794.04 Million by 2033, with a CAGR of 13%.

• Key Market Driver: Rising cases of celiac disease and gluten intolerance are pushing demand, with over 1% of the global population diagnosed with celiac disease and millions more opting for gluten-free diets.

• Major Market Restraint: Higher production costs and limited raw material availability restrict wider adoption, with gluten-free beer often priced 15–30% higher than regular beer in retail stores.

• Emerging Trends: Craft breweries are rapidly adding gluten-free options, with more than 250 microbreweries globally now producing dedicated gluten-free lines.

• Regional Leadership: North America leads the market, accounting for over 40% of global sales, driven by strong consumer awareness and established retail networks.

• Competitive Landscape: The market features over 50 notable brands, with a mix of established beer giants and niche craft producers competing for consumer loyalty.

• Market Segmentation: Sorghum-based beer is the most popular segment, representing nearly 35% of total gluten-free beer production volume worldwide.

• Recent Development: In 2024, several major beer companies launched low-calorie gluten-free variants, tapping into the growing health-conscious consumer base.

COVID-19 IMPACT

"Pandemic Disrupting Gluten-Free Beer Market with Supply Chain Challenges and Venue Closures"

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic, at least initially, disrupted the market for gluten-free beer by causing supply chain disruptions and bar-restaurant temporary closures, which, in turn, affected sales. However, when the consumer behaviour shifted from normal consumption and healthier preference towards consumption at home and """"healthier preference"""" for the food, the demand for gluten free foods increased. Furthermore, the boom in e-commerce and home delivery services stimulated the market. Further, due to enhanced health and wellness consciousness during the pandemic, even more consumers sought gluten-free products, thereby further promoting the already established long term growth of the gluten-free beer market.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

"Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Restrictions Complicating International Distribution and Pricing of Gluten-Free Beer"

The Russia-Ukraine war has had spillover effects on gluten free beer market, mainly through supply chain disruptions and rising cost of the raw materials. Decreases in grain supplies, particularly those of wheat and barley, affected conventional as well as gluten-free beer production. Hence brewers have been subject to increasing manufacturing costs, all of which could be passed on to the consumer in the form of an increase in price. In addition, geopolitical conflicts and trade restrictions further complicated the international distribution, which might result in decreased supply and drop of the price of gluten-free beer in certain territories.

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR IMPACT

"Geopolitical Instability Contributing to Broader Economic Disruptions and Supply Chain Challenges"

The Israel-Hamas war has very little direct bearing on the world gluten-free beer market. But the geopolitical instability in the area has been a contributing factor for more general economic disruption, impacting supply chains and global trade. Rising fuel and transportation costs, along with potential delays in the movement of goods, have indirectly influenced production and distribution costs. Although chaos has not specifically aimed at gluten-free beer manufacturing, the general economic impact could lead to a price hike and also to supply chain problems globally.

LATEST TREND

"Rise of Craft and Innovative Gluten-Free Beers Featuring Unique Ingredient New Trend"

One of the current trends in the gluten-free beer market are craft and innovative gluten-free beers. Several breweries try to innovate in terms of new ingredients like quinoa, buckwheat and rice to achieve different flavors and consistencies that satisfy gluten-free buyers as well as craft beer lovers. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on sustainability where breweries are using eco-friendly packaging and processes of production. This trend is responding to the increasing desire for, high quality, environmentally sustainable and equitable alcoholic beverages.

GLUTEN-FREE BEER MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Beer/Craft Beer, Lager, Ale.

• Beer/Craft Beer: This part deals with micro- and small-sized independent breweries brewing unique, great-quality gluten-free beers. Specialty/craft beer drinkers love novelty, novel ingredients and brewing processes, which in turn fosters an appetite for novel, gluten-free beers.

• Lager: Gluten-free lagers are light, clean beers that usually are made with alternate grains such as rice or sorghum. They offer consumers an easy refreshing and smooth taste, and lagers are typically the more mainstream choice within the gluten-free field.

• Ale: Gluten free ales have a fuller and more evolved flavour profile as compared to lagers which is often characterised by a dominant malt character. Ales offer the taste experience consumers seek in their gluten-free beer purchase decisions.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Online Retail, Offline Retail.

• Online Retail: The online retail segment has seen significant growth due to increased consumer preference for convenience and home delivery. E-commerce websites provide easy access to a selection of gluten-free beverage (in particular beer) options for health-conscious and niche market consumers.

• Offline Retail: The offline retail industry includes supermarkets, liquor shops and bars, where gluten-free beer can be directly selected and purchased. This part still plays a crucial role in getting a wide audience and inciting impulse purchases in the real world.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and Restraining Factors, opportunities and Challenges stating the market conditions. 

Driving Factors

"Increasing Prevalence of Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease Driving Gluten-Free Beer Market Growth"

One of the main drivers of the expansion of the market for gluten-free beers is the rising incidence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease. As more focus has been given to these health problems, the demand has been growing for gluten-free food in all aspects, even alcoholic beverages. Consumers suffering from gluten-related intolerance are becoming increasingly choosy when selecting foodstuffs, and therefore a chance for a cautious, even pleasant like gluten-free beer. This growth of the gluten free market is driving breweries to innovate and offer some gluten free beers as an answer to that demand.

"Rise in Health and Wellness Trends Boosting Demand for Gluten-Free Beer Options"

The growth of the gluten free beer market is also influenced by the trend in health and wellness. Consumers are increasingly looking for the ability to adopt an equitable life style, not consuming gluten, and choosing a healthier food choice. This has led to an increased demand for gluten free beers styles to fulfil these desires. In addition, consumers who are concerned for their health have seen their way to the market for pleasurable and drinkable alcoholic products without having to step outside of their dietary needs.

Restraining Factor

"High Production Costs of Gluten-Free Beer Impacting Market Affordability"

The main disadvantage of the gluten-free bar segment is the higher cost of production in comparison to the other-conventional beer. Replacing other grains such as sorghum or rice could be more expensive, which would then impact the cost of gluten-free beers. This is often associated with higher retail prices, on the one hand which can restrict access for certain consumers. Nevertheless, gluten-free beers tend to miss match the flavour and mouthfeel of traditional beers and this can affect consumer acceptance and slow gluten-free beer market growth.

OPPORTUNITY

"Expanding Gluten-Free Offerings to Meet Growing Demand for Inclusive Beverage Options"

One contributing factor to the market growth of gluten-free beer is the increasing and more accepted trend for a wide range of beverage selections. As more and more consumers want to avoid them due to dietary regulations or dietary reasons, breweries can develop a wider range of gluten-free product lines to address a growing consumer base. Also, the continuous rise in the consumption of craft beer provides the possibility for breweries to incorporate innovations not only in terms of flavor and brewing process but also in the production of full flavor, gluten-free beers which are tailored to a more health focused consumer base and, most importantly, to the self-proclaimed craft beer enthusiast.

Challenge

"Overcoming Flavor Inconsistencies Challenges in Replicating Traditional Beer Taste"

An important problem facing the gluten free beer market is the need to produce gluten free beers with traditional beer flavour and quality. Gluten-free beers are, in general, made with alternative cereals, and as such a shift in taste profile and mouthfeel does occur, which may or may not be palatable to all. Besides, it can be difficult to increase production volume while maintaining high quality and taste, which is typical for breweries in general and increasingly smaller breweries. This Challenge may result in a consumer aversion that hinders market growth because many still prefer "traditional" beers.

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GLUTEN-FREE BEER MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America

North America is one of the primary markets for gluten-free beer against a backdrop of increasing health awareness and gluten-related health issues. There is a large consumer market in the US with a growing trend of gluten-free product consumption, which has led to its explosive growth in both big and small brewers' portfolios. In addition, the healthy trend of drinks in addition to the increasing demand for the specialty drinks is also impelling the market growth in the U.S. and Canada.

Europe

A gluten-free beer is a core area of the European market, which in the largest part is pushed by an increased understanding of the gluten intolerance problem as well as an increasing desire for alternative alcoholic beverages. Gluten-free beers have come to the centre of attention in many countries - Germany, the United Kingdom, and France, among others - owing to the trends in health and food. The region is served by a glut of craft breweries brewing non-gluten beers, aimed at both gluten-intolerant consumers and those wanting to cross over to alternative beer drinks. Moreover, the increasing presence of these items in retail or hospitality environment are contributing gluten-free beer market share.

Asia

The Asia market is gradually developing the gluten-free beer market on the one hand by the rise of awareness of gluten related health issues and on the other hand by a general attitude to health-conscious lifestyles. Consumer concern for food and a preference for food alternatives are causes for demand of gluten-containing product in Japan, China, and India. Although the market is still very young in contrast to the Western world, the expansion of the middle class, changes in consumer behaviour and availability of gluten-free beer in the major cities in the country are all creating a promising pathway for permanent market growth in the market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion"

The gluten-free beer market is significantly influenced by key industry players that play a pivotal role in driving market dynamics and shaping consumer preferences. These key players possess extensive retail networks and online platforms, providing consumers with easy access to a wide variety of wardrobe options. Their strong global presence and brand recognition have contributed to increased consumer trust and loyalty, driving product adoption. Moreover, these industry giants continually invest in research and development, introducing innovative designs, materials, and smart features in cloth wardrobes, catering to evolving consumer needs and preferences. The collective efforts of these major players significantly impact the competitive landscape and future trajectory of the market.

Key players in the gluten-free beer market, such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, and BrewDog, are focusing on product innovation, expanding their gluten-free product lines, and investing in research and development. In order to keep their place in the market, these establishments are diversifying markets with new flavorings, improving the quality of their gluten-free beers and updating their image in respect to health conscious consumers. Additionally, in order to further extend distribution channels, some of them are adding channels extend through retail partnerships and e-commerce sites, which are expected to be more accessible to them. But craft brewers are doing to grab submarkets as well, non-gluten brewing techniques.

List of Market Players Profiled

• Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) (Belgium)
• CRAFT BREW ALLIANCE (CBA) (U.S.)
• DAMM (Spain)
• Döhler (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

March 2023: Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) released a gluten free beer in its Michelob Ultra brand, extending its product line to cater to the increasing consumer need for gluten free products. This launch marked a significant step in their strategy to cater to health-conscious consumers. The beer is a combination of sorghum and rice, which result in a light and bubbly taste, alluding to an increasing trend of inclusive drinks while also capitalizing on AB InBev's established position in the U.S. market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

In this report, a comprehensive analysis of gluten-free beer market is presented, which includes market dynamics, market enhancers, market constrainers, and market accelerators. It describes market segmentation by product (beer craft beer, lager ale) as well as By Application (web offline retail) and provides regionalization covering North America, Europe, and Asia. The discussion further focuses on the effects of recent developments, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical events, while presenting an overview of the major industry players, their approach to market and product innovations.