The U.S. market for gluten-free products is expected to grow from $1.6 billion in sales in 2008 to $2.6 billion by 2012, according to a report to be released Apr. 1 by Packaged Facts. More than 225 marketers introduced new gluten-free products in 2008.

A growing number of consumers today are interested in gluten-free diets because of the inflammatory disorder known as celiac disease, which according to National Institutes of Health estimates, may affect three million or about 1 in every 100 Americans. Both enriched white and whole-grain brown rice are naturally gluten-free and provide a versatile, healthy grain option for celiac disease sufferers.

For more information about the report, click here.