Food allergies occur when the body triggers an immune response to a food rather than a pathogen. While theoretically it’s possible to be allergic to any food, certain foods are well known for causing severe allergies. The following are the top 9 most common food allergens in the world. They represent 90% of all food allergies.
Milk
Milk allergies are a response to casein and whey, two of the major components of milk. It’s different from being lactose intolerant. The majority of people who are allergic to milk are children, and the majority will outgrow the allergy.
Some surprising foods that can contain milk include canned tuna, deli meats, and hotdogs. Other names for milk containing foods include casein, buttermilk, cream, diacetyl, ghee, lactose, and whey.
Eggs
An egg allergy is usually related to the protein in the egg. It can be exclusive to the egg white or yolk, or both. Egg may be present in specialty coffee foams, pasta, and even egg substitutes. Egg may also be present in certain childhood vaccines such as the MMR vaccine.
Peanuts
Peanut allergies are one of the most deadly allergens, because they tend to have the highest rates of anaphylaxis. If you are allergic to peanuts, it’s highly likely you will also be allergic to tree nuts. Peanut allergies are generally lifelong.
Tree Nuts
Tree nuts are also more deadly than other types of allergens such as wheat or milk. If you have a peanut allergy, there’s a good chance you are also allergic to tree nuts. It’s best to avoid both peanuts and tree nuts if you are allergic to one, as cross contamination is very common in facilities that use one or the other.
Soy
Soy is a common ingredient in vegetarian dishes, vegan dishes, and many Asian inspired dishes. Many infant formulas contain soy, a frightening way to learn about food allergies. Also look out for edamame, miso, and tempeh. Soaps and moisturizers can also contain soy, so lookout for non food related products.
Wheat
Wheat allergies are not the same as celiac disease. Wheat allergy is common in children but rare in adults. Most children will grow out of a wheat allergy by the time they are 12 years old. If you or your child have a wheat allergy, it’s important to look at all food labels, as wheat can end up in nearly everything, even ice cream.
Sesame
In previous allergy lists, sesame has not been present. This has become a much more common allergy however, and now makes the list. A sesame allergy is particularly difficult to live with, because it is not required by law for sesame to be declared on the label. Sesame also has a large number of different names, including benniseed, halvah, and sim sim.
Fish
Fish is another common allergen, but being allergic to one fish does not mean you’ll be allergic to others. Since many people who are allergic to one fish are also allergic to other species as well, it may be best to avoid all fish to be safe.
Shellfish
Shellfish is another common allergen, and is usually a lifelong allergy. If you have a shellfish allergy, it’s best to avoid seafood restaurants where cross contamination is common.
About 10% of all adults have food allergies, representing a significant amount of the population. If you have food allergies, you can still enjoy restaurants, family eating, and great dishes. Care and attention to safety protocols can help make living with allergies easier, and more pleasant, for those who suffer from them.
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