Top 8 Food Allergens

Ever read a food label on a product and wonder why certain ingredients are called out as “Allergens” (e.g., “May contain soy, peanuts, etc.”)? Although one could develop food allergies to many foods (I know people who are allergic to fava beans and strawberries), there are eight foods and food groups that represent the most common food allergies—what are known as the “Big Eight.” In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food manufacturers to list these eight common allergens on food labels. If you are allergic to one of these foods or if you are cooking for someone who is, you’ll find this information below very helpful, since these ingredients can sneak into many unexpected food products.

Here are the “Big Eight,” plus what foods these potential allergens lurk in and easy substitutes to try instead.