Colorado houses many companies expanding in the gluten-free food industry. It has been recently reported the gluten-free market is expected to reach $5.5 billion in sales by 2015.

According to the market-research group Packaged Facts, 2,600 gluten-free products were introduced to consumers in 2010 producing $2.6 billion in sale in 2012. For example, Denver based Qrunch Foods just raised $400,000 from outside investors. Qrunch makes gluten-free burgers made of vegetables and grain-like quinoa. With the product launched last year, the company is seeking another $1.2 million in capital.

Another Colorado company in the gluten-free market includes Udi's, which recently was sold to health brand Smart Balance for $125 million. Canyon Bakehouse in Loveland is also Colorado based which quadrupled in sales over the years.

As reported in The Denver Post the growth of gluten-free parallels the growth of celiac disease, a gluten intolerance that has doubled in case numbers every 15 years since 1974, according to a University of Maryland study. Food allergies to gluten have also increased — the number of food allergies in children was 18 percent higher in 2007 compared with 1997, according to Packaged Facts report.

"Gluten-free doesn't seem to be a food fad," Packaged Facts publisher David Sprinkle said. "People are realizing health and well-being may depend on avoiding certain foods. Such specific 'free-from' diets are a lifelong commitment by necessity."