Common Allergen Basics
Which Foods Are Common Allergens?
What is an Allergy vs Intolerance?
How Can I Prepare for Allergen Introduction?
& more!
But First.. What Makes a Food an "Allergen"?
Allergens cause an immune system response when the body is exposed. In foods, this is most often the result of a protein within the type of food. During an allergic reaction, the body has mistaken the food as an invader and begins fighting it off, hence the reaction.
9 Most Common Food Allergens
Cow's Milk
Includes: All Cow's Milk (whole, 2%, skim), Yogurt, Cheese, Ice Cream, Cream, Pudding, Baked Goods, etc.Â
Anything made with Cow's Milk
Wheat
Grain used to make bread, pasta, crackers, baked goods, flour, tortillas, etc.
Peanut
Any food containing peanut: Peanuts, Peanut Butter, Baked goods with peanuts, Snack Bars, Peanut Sauce, etc.
*Note: Peanut and Tree Nuts are NOT the same. These differ in how they are grown!
Tree Nuts
Essentially all other nuts, grown on trees.
Includes: Almonds, Cashews, Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts
Soy
Any food item containing soy or a soy derivative such as Soy Sauce, Tofu, Edamame, Soy Milk, Soy Lecithin, etc.
Fish
Includes majority of fish such as Tuna, Salmon, Cod, Mahi-Mahi, etc.
Shellfish
Fish that have a shell! Including Shrimp, Crab, Oysters, Mollusks, Lobster
Sesame
Beginning in 2023, Sesame will officially be on the common food allergen list. Sesame is often used in flavorings, especially in Greek and Asian cuisines.
