According to a recent report, Mintel, an international marketing research firm, claims that approximately 31 million Americans are gluten-intolerant, leading to a dramatic increase in products lining store shelves. The spike of gluten-free consumers has led to an increased demand for high-quality gluten-free products. Over the past two years, sales in the gluten-free category grew by more than 25 percent, from $4.8 billion in 2009 to an estimated $6.1 billion in 2011. The Mintel report suggests that sales will reach $7 billion in 2012 and $8 billion in 2013.

In some cases, sales of gluten-free food products are selling better compared to traditional products. Sales of gluten-free cold cereal, for example, increased from $131 million in 2009 to $178 million in 2011, while traditional cold cereal sales declined in the same period, according to the report. Frozen gluten-free entrees and snacks have also increased in the gluten-free market and fallen in the traditional category.

Some grocery stores reported stocking more than 500 gluten-free products at any given time. Additionally, more manufacturers are quickly filling the niche market by reformulating their products to cater to the gluten-free consumer.

To read more, check out the full report now from Mintel. Click here to read full report.