So many Brits now have a food intolerance or allergy that the market for special foods to help sufferers has become one of the fastest growing in the UK.
As many as 25 million people, almost half the UK population, could suffer from food intolerance, according to the charity Allergy UK. The main intolerances are gluten, wheat and dairy products. As a result the Free From food market, as it is known, has grown by 15 per cent in the last year to be worth a staggering £238 million, say independent retail analysts Kantar Worldpanel.
The greatest demand is for dairy-free foods and Tesco will this week become the first UK retailer to offer a comprehensive chilled range including soya milks, spreads, yogurt and desserts.
Tesco Dairy Customer Manager Paul Duszynski said: “Just 10 years ago if you suffered from a food allergy you would have to go out of your way to specialist health shops in order to find dairy, wheat or gluten free foods. There weren’t many from which to choose, and they often tasted quite bland.
With the launch of the new chilled dairy-free products there will now be more than 200 lines in the Tesco Free From range.
Included in the new chilled range will be six yogurts; seven desserts; seven milk alternatives; six dairy cheese alternatives and two dairy free spreads. Not only is every product dairy-free but also free from gluten, wheat and egg which makes them suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Lindsey McManus, Deputy Chief Executive at Allergy UK, the country’s leading charity dealing with allergies said: “Often it is the simple everyday foods that sufferers are looking for. We are seeing an increased choice and a wider variety of foods in store specifically for those with food allergies and intolerances.