Most food allergies cause relatively mild and minor symptoms but some food allergies can cause severe reactions and even be life threatening.
Be aware of which ingredients may pose a threat and be dangerous to yourself or others.
Over 160 foods may cause allergic reactions in people with food allergies!
Here are the 8 most common allergenic food categories and ingredients that may cause life-threatening situations.
Common Food Allergies AKA The Big-8 Include:
- milk
- eggs
- fish
- crustacean shellfish
- tree nuts
- peanuts
- wheat
- soy
Milk Allergens Include:
– The MAYO Clinic, “Milk Allergy”
- Artificial Butter Flavor is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Artificial Cheese Flavor is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Au Gratin dishes and white sauces are common food allergens, because they contain milk.
- Bread is a common food allergen because it sometimes contain milk.
- Butter is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Buttermilk is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Cake is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Candy (chocolate, nougat, caramel, etc.) is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Casein is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Caseinates are common food allergens because it contains milk.
- Cereals are common food allergens because it contains milk.
- Cheese and anything that contains cheese is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Chewing Gum is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Cookies are a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Cottage Cheese is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Crackers are common food allergens because it contains milk.
- Cream is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Cream Cheese is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Curd is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Custard is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Donuts are common food allergens because it contains milk.
- Evaporated Milk is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Ghee is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Half And Half is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
Milk is one of the Big 8 most common food allergens.
- Ice Cream is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Ingredients spelled with the prefix “lact”, such as lactose and lactate is a common food allergen, contains milk.
- Lactalbumin is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Lactalbumin Phosphate is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Lactoferrin is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Lactoglobulin is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Lactose is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Low-Fat Milk is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Malted Milk is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Margarine is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Mashed Potatoes may be common food allergens because it may contain milk.
- Meats, canned and processed, including cold cuts and deli meats are common food allergens, contain milk.
- Milk is a common food allergen.
- Nougat is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Powdered Milk is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Protein Powder is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Pudding is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Rennet is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Salad Dressings are a common food allergens because it contains milk.
- Sherbet is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Skim Milk is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Sour Cream is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Whey and whey products are common food allergens because it contains milk.
- Whole Milk is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
- Yogurt is a common food allergen because it contains milk.
Egg Allergens Include:
- Albumin may be a common food allergen because it may be egg.
- Apovitellin, contained in the egg yolk, is a common food allergen because it contains egg.
- Artificial Flavoring may be a common food allergen because it may contain egg.
- Bagels may be a common food allergen, may contain eggs
- Baked Goods may be common food allergens because they may contain egg.
- Chicken Pot Pie is a common food allergen, contains eggs.
- Coffee Drinks may contain egg whites used as a foamy topping for drinks such as cappuccino
- Custard, a dessert made from whole eggs, is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Dried Egg Solids are a common food allergen because it contains egg.
- Eggnog is a common food allergen because it contains egg.
- Eggs are a common food allergen.
- Egg Substitutes are common food allergens because it contains egg.
- Egg Wash and Egg Whites are common food allergens because it is egg.
- French Toast is a common food allergen because it contains egg.
- Globulin is a common food allergen because it contains egg.
- Ice Cream is a common food allergen, may contain eggs
- Lecithin is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Livetin, contained in the egg yolk, is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Lysozyme, contained in the egg white, is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Macaroni may include egg, check ingredient label, typically, fresh pasta contains eggs and dry pasta does not
Eggs are one of the Big 8 most common food allergens.
- Marshmallows may include egg whites
- Marzipan may contain egg whites, especially if the marzipan is homemade
- Mayonnaise is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Meringue or Meringue Powder, is from beaten egg whites
- Natural Flavoring is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Noodles, Egg Noodles contain eggs, a common food allergen
- Nougat may contain egg, may be a common food allergen, containing eggs
- Ovalbumin, contained in egg white, is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Ovoglobulin is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Ovomucin is a common food allergen, contains eggs
- Ovomucoid, contained in the egg white, is a common food allergen, contains egg
- Ovotransferrin, contained in the egg white, is a common food allergen, contains egg
- Ovovitelia, found in egg yolk, is a common food allergen, contains egg
- Ovovitellin found in egg yolk, is a common food allergen, contains egg
- Pasta, dry pasta typically does not contain egg but may be subject to cross-contamination with egg-based pasta in a factory or manufacturing facility, pre-cooked pasta in canned soups and other ready-to-eat dishes may contain egg
- Powdered Eggs are a common food allergen, contain egg
- Pretzels may contain egg, a common food allergen
- Protein Shakes may contain egg
- Salad Dressings, such as Caesar are typically include egg
- Silici Albuminate is a common food allergen, contains egg
- Simplesse, a fat replacement, is a common food allergen, contains egg
- Soufflés, are a common food allergen, containing egg
- Surimi, artificial crab meat may contain egg whites
- Vitellin, contained in the egg yolk, is a common food allergen
Fish Allergen Foods Include:
- Anchovies are a common food allergen, fish
- Arctic Char is a common food allergen, fish
- Atlantic Saury is a common food allergen, fish
- Barbecue Sauces made with Worcestershire
- Bass is a common food allergen, fish
- Bigeye Tuna is a common food allergen, fish
- Bluefish is a common food allergen, fish
- Branzino is a common food allergen, fish
- Catfish is a common food allergen, fish
- Caesar Salad and Caesar Dressing typically contain fish
- Caponata (Sicilian eggplant relish)
- Carp is a common food allergen, fish
- Catfish is a common food allergen, fish
- Caviar, fish eggs, is a common food allergen, fish
- Cod, is a common food allergen, fish
- Croaker, is a common food allergen, fish
- Cuttlefish, is a common food allergen, fish
- Cuttlefish Ink is a common food allergen, fish
- Eel, is a common food allergen, fish
- Oil, Fish, is a common food allergen, fish
- Fish Sauce, is a common food allergen, fish
- Fish Stock, is a common food allergen, fish
- Flatfish is common food allergen, fish
- Gelatin is a common food allergen, fish
- Grouper is a common food allergen, fish
- Halibut is a common food allergen, fish
Some items may be sponsored.
- Herring is a common food allergen, fish
- Kampachi is a common food allergen, fish
- Mackerel is a common food allergen, fish
- Mullet is a common food allergen, fish
- Perch is a common food allergen, fish
- Roe (fish eggs) is a common food allergen, fish
- Salmon is a common food allergen, fish
- Sardines is a common food allergen, fish
- Sea Bass is a common food allergen, fish
- Silver Carp is a common food allergen, fish
- Snapper is a common food allergen, fish
- Sole is a common food allergen, fish
- Surimi, an imitation crabmeat sometimes used in sushi, is a common food allergen, fish
- Swordfish is a common food allergen, fish
- Tilapia is a common food allergen, fish
- Trout is a common food allergen, fish
- Tuna is a common food allergen, fish
- Walleye is a common food allergen, fish
- Worcestershire Sauce is a common food allergen, often contains fish products such as anchovies
- Yellowtail is a common food allergen, fish
Crustacean Shellfish Allergens Include:
- Abalone, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Barnacles are shellfish and crustaceans, a common food allergen
- Bouillabaisse may be a common food allergen, may contain shellfish
- Calamari, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Clams which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Cockle, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Crab are shellfish and crustaceans, a common food allergen
- Crawfish are shellfish and crustaceans, a common food allergen
- Crayfish are shellfish and crustaceans, a common food allergen
- Cuttlefish, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Cuttlefish Ink may be a common food allergen, may contain shellfish
- Escargot which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Fish Stock may be a common food allergen, may contain shellfish
- Glucosamine may be a common food allergen, may contain shellfish
- Krill are shellfish and crustaceans, a common food allergen
Some items may be sponsored.
- Limpet, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Lobster is shellfish and crustacean, a common food allergen
- Mollusks, which are classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Mussels which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Octopus, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Oysters, which are classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Oyster Sauce, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Periwinkle, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Prawns are shellfish and crustaceans, a common food allergen
- Scallops, which are classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Sea Cucumber, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Sea Urchins, which are classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Seafood Flavoring may be a common food allergen, may contain shellfish
- Shrimp is shellfish and crustaceans, a common food allergen
- Snails, which are classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Squid, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Surimi may be a common food allergen, may contain shellfish
- Turban Shell, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
- Whelk, which is classified as mollusks, may be a common food allergen, a separate group of shellfish
Tree Nut Food Allergens Include:
- Almonds are a common food allergen, a tree nut.
- Almond-Butter contains a common food allergen, tree nuts.
- Almond-Milk contains a common food allergen, tree nuts.
- Almond Oil is a common food allergen made from tree nuts.
- Argan Oil is a common food allergen made from tree nuts.
- Beechnuts are a common food allergen, a tree nut.
- Beechnut Oil is a common food allergen made from tree nuts.
- Brazil Nuts are a common food allergen, a tree nut.
- Brazil Nut Oil is a common food allergen made from tree nuts.
- Cashews are a common food allergen, a tree nut.
- Cashew Oil is a common food allergen made from tree nuts.
Some items may be sponsored.
- Cashew Butter contains a common food allergen, tree nuts
- Cashew Milk contains a common food allergen, tree nuts
- Macadamia Nuts are a common food allergen, a tree nut.
- Marzipan contains a common food allergen, almonds.
- Pine Nuts are a common food allergen, a tree nut
- Pistachios are a common food allergen, a tree nut
- Walnuts are a common food allergen, a tree nut.
- Walnut Oil is a common food allergen because it is made from tree nuts.
Peanut Allergens Include:
- Baked goods. Cookies, candy, pastries, pie crusts, and others may contain peanuts
- Candy. Chocolate candy especially, also nougat and marzipan may contain peanuts
- Other sweets, ice cream, frozen desserts, puddings, and hot chocolate may contain peanuts
- Cereals and granola may contain peanuts
- Trail Mix often contain peanuts
- Chili and Soups, peanuts or peanut butter are sometimes thickeners, may contain peanuts
- Flour, Peanut Flour, is a common food allergen, contains peanuts
- Grain Breads may contain peanuts
Peanuts are one of the Big 8 most common food allergens.
- High-energy bars may contain peanuts
- Honey may contain peanuts
- Hydrolyzed plant or vegetable protein may contain peanuts
- Nut Extracts may contain peanuts
- Nut pastes. Includes products like marzipan, almond paste, and nougat may contain peanuts
- Nut Oils, including cold-pressed or expressed peanut oil and others may contain peanuts
- Peanuts are a common food allergen, contains peanuts
- Peanut Butter is a common food allergen, contains peanuts
- Peanut Oil is a common food allergen, contains peanuts
- Sauces which may include barbecue sauce, hot sauce, pesto, gravy, mole sauce, glazes, or marinades may contain peanuts
- Salads and Salad Dressing may contain peanuts
- Veggie Burgers may contain peanuts
Wheat Food Allergens Include:
- Beer often contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Bran, Wheat Bran Hydrolysate contains wheat
- Bread Crumbs contain wheat, a common food allergen
- Bulgur contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Cereal Extract contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Club Wheat contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Couscous contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Cracker Meal contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Durum contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Einkorn contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Emmer contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Farina contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Farro contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Flour (all-purpose, bread, cake, durum, enriched, graham, high-gluten, high-protein, instant, pastry, self-rising, soft wheat, steel ground, stone ground, whole wheat)
- Freekeh contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Glucose Syrup may contain wheat, a common food allergen
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Kamut contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Matzoh, matzoh meal (also spelled as matzo, matzah or matza) contains wheat, a common food allergen
Some items may be sponsored.
- Orzo, made from wheat semolina flour, contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Pasta contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Seitan contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Semolina contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Soy Sauce may contain wheat, a common food allergen
- Spelt contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Sprouted Wheat contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Starch (gelatinized starch, modified starch, modified food starch, vegetable starch) may contain wheat, a common food allergen
- Surimi may contain wheat, a common food allergen
- Triticale contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Vital Wheat Gluten contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Wheat (bran, durum, germ, gluten, malt, sprouts, starch) contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Wheat Germ Oil contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Wheatgrass contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Wheat Protein Isolate contains wheat, a common food allergen
- Whole Wheat Berries contain wheat, a common food allergen
Soy Allergens Include:
- Cold-Pressed, Expelled or Extruded Soy Oil contains soy, a common food allergen
- Edamame contains soy, a common food allergen
- Milk, Soy Milk contains soy
- Miso contains soy, a common food allergen
- Natto contains soy, a common food allergen
- Shoyu contains soy, a common food allergen
- Soy (soy albumin, soy cheese, soy fiber, soy flour, soy grits, soy ice cream, soy milk, soy nuts, soy sprouts, soy yogurt) contains soy, a common food allergen
Soy is one of the Big 8 most common food allergens.
- Soya contains soy, a common food allergen
- Soybean (curd, granules) contains soy, a common food allergen
- Soy Protein (concentrate, hydrolyzed, isolate) contains soy, a common food allergen
- Soy Sauce contains soy, a common food allergen.
- Tamari contains soy, a common food allergen.
- Tempeh contains soy, which is a common food allergen.
- Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) contains soy, a common food allergen
- Tofu contains soy, which is a common food allergen.
Sources:
Food allergies: Understanding food labels – Mayo Clinic
Food Allergies | Food Safety and Inspection Service
The BIG 8 – School Nutrition Association
Food Allergen Labeling & Consumer Protection Act
