More than 150 foods have been proven to cause intolerances or allergic reactions.
Many people are becoming more conscious of their diet’s impact on their skin and digestive health, and with this change comes an increased demand for plant-based and allergen-free foods.
Curious to learn more about why plant-based and allergen-free foods are so popular?
Keep reading as we discuss the benefits of reducing allergens in your diet and eating plant-based foods, along with the emerging trends in the plant-based and allergen-free food industry.
Table of Contents
Why Are Allergen-Free Foods So Popular?
When it comes to allergens, many consume foods without knowing that our bodies aren’t responding well to the ingredients. For instance, many people consume dairy products, not knowing that lactose is the cause of their digestive health issues.
Over the last decade, many people are learning important lessons about what they eat, that gluten is an allergen and that consuming large amounts of gluten can cause stomach upset and digestive issues like bloating and cramps for those with gluten intolerance. Now, people are spending more time practicing self-care regarding their diets.
Consuming allergens when you have an intolerance to them can cause the following issues:
- Diarrhea – if you are intolerant to certain foods, you may notice that your bowel movements are inconsistent and unpleasant.
- Bloating – extreme bloating can indicate that your diet includes some foods you are intolerant to.
- Gas – if you have a food intolerance, you might get gassy when you eat the food and experience trapped wind and severe stomach cramping.
- Skin issues – including foods you’re intolerant to in your diet could lead to issues like rashes, dry skin, and eczema.
If you want to reduce the impact of certain foods on your body, you’ll need to invest time into figuring out which allergen is causing your health issues. Below you’ll find a list of the most common allergens:
- Gluten – you’ll find gluten in bread and pasta, and gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley.
- Histamine – this allergen is found in foods like wine and cheese.
- Caffeine – fizzy drinks, coffee, and tea all contain large amounts of caffeine.
- Sulfites – beer, cider, and wine all contain sulfites.
- Salicylates – you can find this allergen in some fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Of course, there are more allergens we can add to the list, such as dairy and nuts. However, most people are unaware of the allergens listed above.
Since allergens can be so problematic for your health, many people are looking to find simple and easy ways to eliminate allergens from their diets. Allergen-free food companies are helping these people by supplying snack and meal products that allow them straightforward access to foods that do not contain allergens.
Why Eat Plant-Based Foods?
Plant-based foods have also become increasingly popular over the years. From personal choice to healthier living, there are many reasons why people are opting for plant-based foods. To help you understand why plant-based foods are becoming so popular, let’s discuss why plant-based foods can be beneficial for one’s diet:
- Vegetarianism and veganism – for ethical reasons, many people choose to cut meats from their diets. Vegetarians and vegans choose not to eat meat due to animal cruelty and the meat industry’s contribution to climate change. There are many ethical reasons why people choose to eat a plant-based diet.
- Clean eating – many people choose to eat a plant-based diet to add more variety and clean foods. If you’re eating a heavy meat and carbohydrate-rich diet, you might not get all the nutrients your body needs. People are switching to a plant-based diet to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and healthy protein sources into their diets.
- Reducing inflammation – many plant-based foods contain ingredients that nourish the gut microbiome. A healthy gut can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, establishing more general well-being. The fiber in plant-based foods can also help relieve diarrhea symptoms and stomach upset in those with IBS and food intolerances.
Emerging Trends In The Plant-Based And Allergen-Free Food Industry
Now that we understand why plant-based and allergen-free foods can be so beneficial for overall health and why they are so popular, let’s take a look at some of the emerging trends in the plant-based and allergen-free food industry:
- Whole foods – many people eating an allergen-free and plant-based diet choose to eat whole foods. Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and beans can be extremely healthy, and by restricting your diet to fresh whole foods, you can ensure there are no nasty additives or allergens.
- Plant-based and allergen-free snack packs – many health food stores and online brands provide plant-based and allergen-free snacks for adults and children. Sweet potato chips, popcorn snacks, and granola recipes are accessible to people looking to cut out unhealthy and allergenic foods.
- Meal replacements – to make it easier for those with allergies or a plant-based diet when eating out, vegan and allergen-free meal replacement shakes are widely available. Instead of consuming something without knowing the ingredients, you can simply bring a shake with you and use it as a meal replacement for eating out or traveling.
Summary
In the modern world, people are starting to consider which foods are serving their bodies and which foods are harming their bodies and the planet. Many people are switching to allergen-free and plant-based foods to enjoy better digestive health and skin health and improve their diets’ nutritional value. If you’re considering switching to an allergen-free or plant-based diet, you should look for companies offering snacks and products to help you improve your diet.
