7 Of The Most Common Food Allergies Worth Knowing

Written By: Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT

Food allergies can be a scary thing to live with and they affect millions of people around the world. Food allergies happen when the body evokes an immune response after eating certain foods. People with food allergies must avoid any amount of the food that they are allergic to. Some foods are more commonly experienced in people with food allergies than others. If you or someone you know lives with food allergies, you may wonder what the most common food allergies are and how to avoid them. Read this article for everything you need to know.

1. Milk

Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies, especially in young children. It occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins in cow's milk. Symptoms can include hives, vomiting, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. People with this allergy must avoid dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

2. Eggs

Egg allergies are common in children but can also affect adults. They involve an immune response to proteins found in egg whites or yolks. Symptoms range from skin reactions, such as hives, to respiratory issues or digestive discomfort. Eggs are often hidden in processed foods, making label reading essential.

3. Peanuts

Peanut allergies are among the most severe and often result in anaphylaxis. Reactions occur even with trace amounts of peanuts. Symptoms include hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties. Avoiding peanuts and peanut-containing foods, such as peanut butter, is critical for safety.

4. Tree Nuts

Tree nut allergies include reactions to nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews. They can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. Many people with tree nut allergies also avoid seeds and other similar foods due to cross-contact risks.

5. Soy

Soy allergies are often seen in children but may persist into adulthood. This allergy is triggered by soy protein, commonly found in soy milk, tofu, and processed foods. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal issues, skin reactions, and respiratory problems.

6. Fish

Fish allergies typically develop in adulthood and often cause severe reactions. Common fish allergens include salmon, tuna, and cod. Cooking vapors can also trigger symptoms, making this allergy particularly challenging to manage in shared spaces.

7. Shellfish

Shellfish allergies are among the most common in adults, with reactions triggered by crustaceans like shrimp, crab, and lobster. Symptoms can range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis. Cross-contact during food preparation is a significant concern for those with this allergy.

Bonus: Sesame

Recently recognized as a major allergen, sesame allergy can cause serious reactions. Sesame is found in seeds, oils, and baked goods, making it important for those with this allergy to carefully inspect ingredient labels.

These are some foods that are more common when it comes to food allergies than others.[1] Sesame has also recently been added as one of the top food allergies. It is possible to be allergic to one or a number of these foods, and the prevalence of people living with food allergies has been increasing over the years.[1] While allergies can occur in people of all ages, there has been a rise in nut-based allergies, especially among children. This is important for all adults and children to be more aware of and is a consideration when you begin introducing foods to a child.

If you are at the beginning of introducing solid foods to your child, it is best to consult a qualified healthcare provider if you need guidance on next steps. It is important to introduce young children to these high-allergen foods while also being aware of food allergy symptoms in case a child has a reaction. While food allergies in children can be common, it is also possible to outgrow allergies once a child matures.

Some food allergies are broader groups of food like dairy. If someone has a dairy allergy, they have to become more attuned to reading labels and understanding what foods may contain dairy. For example, if a food contains whey, this is a dairy derivative and can pose an issue for people who have a dairy-based food allergy. On nutrition labels, there is a “contains” statement at the bottom of every nutrition label. People with food allergies need to become great label readers to help make safe choices at the grocery stores. For foods without labels or ingredient lists, it is always best to avoid the food if you are unsure if it contains an allergen food or not.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Common food allergy symptoms can vary from person to person, and many symptoms can be severe and/or life-threatening. [2] Symptoms can range in severity from mild to severe and may require medical attention if they are more severe. For this reason, becoming knowledgeable of food allergy symptoms and being prepared with tools if you are someone living with food allergies is essential for optimizing well-being.

Some symptoms of food allergies can include [2]:

1. Tingling or itching around the mouth or in the throat
2. Hives or itchiness of the skin
3. Swelling on any part of the body, including the throat
4. Gastric pain that can include bloating, diarrhea, and/or vomiting
5. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and/or fainting

Also in severe cases, a symptom of food allergies can be anaphylaxis, which is considered to be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a condition in which the airway is affected and can close up, making it hard or impossible to breathe. This warrants immediate medical attention as this can also cause shock, a rapid pulse, and/or loss of consciousness.[2]

Symptoms of food allergies can occur with even the smallest intake of a food particle, making the avoidance of foods that cause allergies essential for health and well-being.

Testing for Food Allergies

Testing for food allergies is an important step in identifying and managing allergic reactions to specific foods. It typically involves a combination of methods, including skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges. Skin prick tests involve exposing the skin to small amounts of allergens and observing for reactions, while blood tests measure the levels of specific antibodies (IgE) produced in response to allergens. Oral food challenges, often considered the gold standard, are conducted under medical supervision and involve consuming the suspected allergen in gradually increasing amounts to monitor for any adverse reactions. These tests help healthcare professionals determine which foods trigger allergic responses, enabling individuals to avoid these allergens and prevent potentially severe health issues, such as anaphylaxis. Proper testing and diagnosis are essential for creating personalized management plans and ensuring long-term safety for those with food allergies.

How to Manage Food Allergies

1. Avoidance of Trigger Foods: The most effective way to manage a food allergy is to completely avoid the food(s) that cause the allergic reaction. This includes reading ingredient labels carefully, asking about ingredients when eating out, and being cautious about cross-contamination in kitchens.
2. Carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector: If you have a history of severe reactions, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) at all times is crucial. Epinephrine can rapidly reverse anaphylactic reactions, which are life-threatening and may occur quickly after exposure to an allergen.
3. Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding your specific food allergy is key. Learn how to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to treat them. Educate family members, friends, caregivers, teachers, and coworkers about your allergies to ensure they're prepared in case of an emergency.
4. Develop an Emergency Action Plan: Create and share a detailed emergency action plan with those around you. This should include steps to take in the event of an allergic reaction (e.g., when to use epinephrine, when to call for medical help, and what symptoms to watch for).
5. Wear Medical Identification: Wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace that clearly states your food allergy can be lifesaving in the event that you're unable to communicate. Emergency responders will know your condition and the appropriate steps to take.
6. Be Cautious with Cross-Contamination: Even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger a severe reaction. Always be mindful of cross-contamination when preparing food, whether at home or when dining out. This includes cleaning cooking utensils, surfaces, and cookware thoroughly to remove any traces of allergens.
7. Read Food Labels Carefully: Always read ingredient labels, even if you’ve bought the same product before. Ingredients and manufacturing processes can change, potentially introducing allergens. Look for allergen warnings like “may contain” or “processed in a facility that also processes.”
8. Educate Restaurants and Food Service Workers: When dining out, inform restaurant staff about your food allergy in advance. Ask detailed questions about how the food is prepared, if there’s a risk of cross-contact with allergens, and if they have policies to accommodate food allergies safely.
9. Know How to Recognize an Allergic Reaction: Symptoms of food allergies can vary from mild (e.g., hives, itching, swelling) to severe (e.g., difficulty breathing, dizziness, anaphylaxis). Familiarize yourself with the early signs of a reaction and know when to seek immediate medical attention.
10. Consider Allergy Testing and Working with an Allergist: If you’re uncertain about your allergies or if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, working with an allergist for proper diagnosis and testing is important. They can help pinpoint exact allergens and provide guidance on management, including possible treatments such as oral immunotherapy.

Take Control of Your Health With Everlywell

A large part of managing food allergies and optimizing overall health is through proper testing and education. Be sure to discuss food allergy testing with your healthcare provider if you suspect any allergies. If you’re experiencing any severe symptoms, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.

If you’re experiencing any frustrating but non-life threatening symptoms like indigestion, bloating, or fatigue, you might consider taking a Food Sensitivity Test through Everlywell to measure your body’s IgG reactivity to common foods to help guide your food selection in a two-part elimination diet.

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References

1. Food Allergy Research & Education. Facts and statistics. FoodAllergy.org. Accessed January 7, 2025. Medical Citation URL.
2. Mayo Clinic. Food allergy. Published August 30, 2024. Accessed January 7, 2025. Medical Citation URL.
3. Muraro A, Mendoza Hernandez DA. Managing food allergy and anaphylaxis: A new model for an integrated approach. Allergol Int. 2020;69(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.alit.2019.10.004