An allergen is a substance when recognized by the immune system, causes an allergic reaction which occurs the most time when one ate or inhaled something. Some common allergens include dust and pollen, likewise, common food allergens such as peanuts, nuts, seafood, and shellfish are causes of serious allergies in people. An allergic reaction can occur when there is direct contact with the said allergen, either by eating or drinking such food.

Common Food Allergens

1. Gluten

This is a family of protein that is found in grains like wheat, rye, spelt and barley. Glutenin and Gliadin are the two main proteins that are found in gluten. While the latter is known to be responsible for the majority of the negative health effects. Gluten forms a sticky property when flour is mixed with water, this sticky like property makes bread rice when it is baked providing a chewy feeling. Gluten is found in foods like pasta, noodles, cereals, granola, baked goods etc.

2. Seafood

Seafood includes various forms of sea life that are known to humans as food. They include fish and shellfish. Others include; shrimp, lobster, clams.

3. Egg

These are biological components that are laid by various female animals of many different species, like birds, reptiles, fish etc. The most common that is consumed by humans is that of birds; especially chickens. Eggs can be eaten boiled, fried or baked. They are also used in various foods like; Crepes, waffles, custards, puddings, ice cream, eggnog, and eggrolls.

4. Fish

Fish is an example of seafood that is known to humans as food. They are either hunted for or cultivated in ponds. They are a source of animal protein in diets. They are eaten in various forms depending on the delicacy one chooses; either by smoking, frying, grilling or baking.

5. Peanuts

Peanuts are a type of nuts. They actually belong to the legume family and are therefore related to beans, lentils, and soy. Peanuts can be eaten raw, while some can be eaten roasted and salted. They are highly rich in protein, fat, and numerous healthy nutrients. Products that are made from peanuts include peanut oil, and they can also be used in various products like cakes, snacks, confectionaries, etc.

6. Soy

This is another type of legume that is grown for its edible bean. The bean has various uses including for soymilk, soy-oil, in making tofu, soy sauce, etc.

7. Milk

Milk is the liquid product that is gotten from female mammals, the likes of goats, sheep, cow etc. The most consumed type of milk is gotten from the cow. Very rich in protein and calcium. Milk is processed into various products including evaporated milk, skimmed milk, and condensed milk. It is also used in many food products like butter, cheese, ice-cream, yogurt, custard, pudding etc.

8. Nuts

These are dry fruits of some particular trees that grow in hard shells and can be eaten. They are known as good sources of fat, fiber, and protein. Commonly eaten nuts include almonds, cashew, peanuts, hazelnuts, etc. They can be eaten raw, salted or used in confectionaries.

9. Celery

Celery is a plant that is cultivated as a vegetable, it can be eaten raw, used in cooking. The most common way that celery is being consumed is as celery juice.

10. Mustard

Mustard is a seasoning made from seeds of a mustard plant. Mustard is used as an ingredient in dressings, glazes, sauces, soups, and marinades.    

11. Sesame

These are tiny seeds, rich in oil and they grow in pods. They are used as ingredients in various dishes. The most common is the big-mac cheeseburger, others include sesame-seed cake, sesame-seed candy, gajak and so many more.

12. Sulphites

They are used as feed additives, and some can also occur in food naturally. Other names of sulphites are sulphur dioxide, E 220 – E228. They occur in foods like; apple cider, fish, baked products, vinegar, wine, alcoholic beverages, etc.

13. Lupine

These are legumes that belong to the same family as peanuts. They can also be called LUPIN, their beans are eaten whole, or used as ingredients in lupine flour. They are used in baked products and pasta.

14. Molluscs

Molluscs are invertebrate animals that have shells. Edible molluscs are harvested from saltwater, freshwater, and the land. Examples include snails, clams, oysters etc.

15. Lactose

Lactose is known as the natural sugar that is found in milk and other dairy products. Common sources of lactose include milk, milk, whey, cheese, sweet or sour cream, buttermilk, malted milk, etc.

16. Glutamate

Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in different types of food. It is found naturally in foods like tomatoes, cheeses, mushrooms, seaweed, and soy. Also found in canned soups, vegetables, and processed meat.

17. Cocoa

It is prepared from cocoa beans, the fruit of cacao. It is used in beverages, and also the major ingredients in chocolate.

18. Coriander

This is a green leafy herb. It is often referred to as the world’s most common herd, which is used as flavor enhancer in dishes. The leaves, stalks, and berries which are referred to as seeds are edible.

19. Maize

Also known as corn is a cereal crop which is consumed directly by humans. They are consumed boiled, roasted or processed into corn syrup, whiskeys, alcohol, beer, etc.

20. Legumes

These are a great source of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. They are found in beans, nuts, peas, and lentils.

21. Beef

Beef is the type of meat that is gotten from cattle. A widely acceptable food source rich in protein and iron. They are consumed in various dishes like meatloaf, meatball, hamburger, beefsteak, etc.

22. Pork

Pork is the type of meat that is gotten from pigs. Pork is consumed in various ways like bacon, ham, hamburger etc.

23. Chicken

The most common type of poultry flesh consumed by humans. Rich in protein, and can also be consumed in various ways like boiling, baking, roasting, grilling, frying, etc.

24. Carrot

This is a type of root vegetable, rich in beta-carotene, fiber, Vitamin K, etc. They are mostly consumed raw or used as dressers in salads.

Would you consider upgrading your current stock with allergen-free meal options, you are welcome to visit our ‘Ingredients’ page to choose from a wide range of allergen-free sauces and marinades, which are delivered nationwide.