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Common Allergen Basics

Which Foods Are Common Allergens?

What is an Allergy vs Intolerance?

How Can I Prepare for Allergen Introduction?

& more!

Scrambled Eggs | Egg | Introducing Egg | Infant Food | Baby Led Weaning | Allergens | RD | Baby Food and Fun
Spaghetti | Wheat | Pasta | Introducing Wheat | Infant Food | Baby Led Weaning | Allergens | RD | Baby Food and Fun

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. 
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. 

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