HomeBlogBlogWhat Are the 7 Major Food Allergies? The Full U.S. List

What Are the 7 Major Food Allergies? The Full U.S. List

What are the 7 major food allergies?

If you have heard that there are seven major food allergies, the number may come from a shortened list. In the United States, there are actually nine major food allergens recognized for food labeling. Seven you may hear about most often are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish, and crustacean shellfish. Soy and sesame complete the nine.

Which foods are on the list?

Milk and eggs can appear in baked goods, sauces, and prepared foods. Peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergen categories; being allergic to one does not automatically mean you are allergic to the other. Wheat may be found in bread and pasta as well as foods that use it as a thickener or coating.

Fish and crustacean shellfish are also separate categories. Crustacean shellfish includes shrimp, crab, and lobster. Soy can appear in foods such as tofu, edamame, and some packaged products. Sesame may be present as seeds, tahini, or an ingredient in dressings and baked goods.

What should you do if food seems to trigger a reaction?

Food-allergy symptoms can affect more than your skin. Hives, itching, or swelling may occur, but reactions can also involve vomiting, coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing. If you suspect a food allergy, talk with a qualified health professional rather than removing several foods from your diet based on a guess. Seek emergency help for breathing trouble, throat tightness, faintness, or other signs of a severe reaction.

For everyday shopping, read the full ingredient label each time you buy a packaged food, even one you have used before. Ingredients can change, and foods made or served outside your home may need an extra conversation about ingredients and cross-contact. If your concern began with a rash or another skin change, our guide to food allergies and skin reactions can help you think through what to note before speaking with a clinician. Our team recommends keeping a record of what you ate, when symptoms began, and what happened next.

FAQ

Is a food intolerance the same as a food allergy?

No. A food allergy involves the immune system and can cause a severe reaction; an intolerance typically does not. A health professional can help you determine which may explain your symptoms.