High quality lactose free milk by Tesco

The market for special foods has become one of the fastest growing in the UK as so many people now have a food intolerance or allergy, according to Tesco.

Up to 25 million people, almost half the UK population, could suffer from food intolerance, according to the charity Allergy UK.

The main intolerances are gluten, wheat and dairy products.

As a result the free-from food market has grown by 15% in the last year to be worth £238m, says independent retail analyst Kantar Worldpanel.

The greatest demand is for dairy-free foods and Tesco will this week become the first UK retailer to offer a chilled range including soya milks, spreads, yogurt and desserts.