Tesco has unveiled a newly extended Free-From range, to coincide with Coeliac Awareness Week, after its research revealed that demand for free-from products is continuing to soar. In the past year alone, one in ten UK adults – equating to five million people – have cut gluten from their diet and a further one in ten have cut dairy or lactose.
Data from the retailer shows that 10% of shoppers who buy free-from products now do so out of choice rather than any diagnosed intolerances, with many citing the improved taste and quality of the ranges as a driver for purchasing them. A quarter (25%) claim the quality of supermarket free-from ranges has improved vastly over the past few years, and a further 13% believe that the products taste better than ever.
The growing popularity of free-from alternatives is largely being fuelled by younger generations, with demand for dairy and lactose free alternatives rising most significantly. Almost a quarter (22%) of 18–34-year-olds now follow a dairy free diet and one in five (18%) follow gluten free diets.
While many have altered their diets after being medically diagnosed with intolerances, a large number of 18–34-year-olds are opting to do so for other reasons. One in five (19%) of this age group have cut either dairy or lactose from their diet out of choice, and 8% now opt to omit gluten.
For the second year running, Tesco has also teamed up with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF) to help educate the nation and raise awareness of food allergies in the UK. The retailer will be donating to NARF 10p from the sale of every Tesco Free From product during World Allergy Week in June. This will help the charity to continue to carry out vital medical research including funding for training doctors, nurses, and dieticians so that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to help people with food allergies.
Tesco has also proactively completed ‘Natasha’s Law’ for all own brand products ahead of the October 2021 deadline. This law requires full labelling of allergens and ingredients on all pre-packed foods for sale, such as sandwiches and salads, which are made on the premises.
New products joining the extensive Free From range at Tesco:
Free From Mature Cheddar Cheese Twists, £2.25. Available in-store and online from 3rd May
A first to market pack of two Free From Cheddar Cheese Twists. The super light and crisp golden gluten-free pastry is expertly hand twisted and made with mature vegan cheddar cheese. Best served warm from the oven. Free from: gluten, wheat, egg, and milk. Vegan friendly.
Tesco Free From Chow Mein Stir Fry Sauce 120g, £0.80. Available in-store and online from 3rd May
An oriental style chow mein sauce made from a rich blend of aromatic ginger, garlic, and warm spices. Free from: gluten, wheat, and soya. Vegan friendly. Free From Teriyaki Stir Fry Sauce and a Free Black Bean Stir Fry Sauce also available in the range.
Tesco Free From Breadcrumbs 170g, £1.30. Available in-store and online from 3rd May
Fine, lightly seasoned breadcrumbs. A versatile kitchen cupboard staple that is perfect for adding a crunchy breadcrumb coating to chicken, fish or veg. Free from: gluten and wheat. Vegan friendly.
Tesco Free From Lemon Drizzle Cake Kit 300g, £1.70. Available in-store and online from 3rd May
Try this quick and easy to follow lemon drizzle home baking cake kit, and wow your friends and family with a zesty sweet treat at your next get together. No eggs needed. Free from: gluten, wheat, milk, and eggs. Vegan friendly.
Tesco Free From Surprise Cupcake Kit 300g, £2.00. Available in-store and online from 3rd May
Become a master baker within minutes, with our delightful surprise cupcake kit. No eggs needed. Free from: gluten, wheat, milk, and eggs. Vegan friendly.
Tesco Free From Confetti Cake 931g, £9.00. Available in-store and online now
A gluten free, light and fluffy vanilla flavoured sponge cake filled with a strawberry flavoured frosting and raspberry jam. Delicately topped with colourful swirls and a sprinkle of edible confetti. Perfect for a special occasion. Free from: gluten, wheat and milk.
Tesco Free From Triple Choc Truffles 140g, £4.00. Available in-store and online from 3rd May
The ultimate luxury free from treat. Indulgent chocolate centred truffles topped and dusted with a delicate chocolate coating. Free from: gluten, wheat, and milk. Vegan friendly.
Tesco Free From Ginger Nut Biscuits 180g, £1.30. Available in-store and online from 3rd May
A family favourite now available in the Free From range, these spicy and fiery ginger nut biscuits are made with rice flour, gluten free flour and soya flour. Free from: milk, wheat, and gluten. Vegan friendly.
Other Free From products launching in May include, but are not limited to:
- Free From Quiche Lorraine 160g, £1.50. Smoked bacon and Extra Mature Cheddar cheese quiche in a gluten free shortcrust pastry case. Free from gluten and wheat
- Free From Cheese & Onion Quiche 160g, £2.00. Cheddar and Red Leicester cheese with onion, baked with eggs and single cream in a gluten free shortcrust pastry case. Free from gluten and wheat
- Free From Steak Pie 200g, £2.00. Gluten free shortcrust pastry filled with chunks of beef in gravy. Free from gluten, wheat and milk
- Free From Bacon Rashers Crisps 150g, £1.00. Bacon flavour baked snacks, a great family favourite. Free from gluten and wheat
- Free From Cinnamon and Raisin Bagels, £1.50. A first to market pack of four Free From Cinnamon and Raisin Bagels. These authentic bagels were produced in the traditional New York style of boiling then baking to achieve the authentic chewy bite, shiny surface, and soft internal crumb. Free from: gluten, wheat and milk.