What foods are most likely to cause allergic reactions?


In adults, the most common foods to cause allergic reactions include: shellfish such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab; peanuts (a legume that is one of the chief foods to cause severe anaphylaxis, a sudden drop in blood pressure that can be fatal if not treated quickly); tree nuts such as walnuts; fish; wheat; soy and eggs.


In children, the pattern is somewhat different. The most common food allergens that cause problems in children are eggs, milk, and peanuts. Adults usually don't lose their allergies, but children can sometimes outgrow them. Children are more likely to outgrow allergies to milk or soy than allergies to peanuts, fish, or shrimp.

Foods Eaten Often

The foods that adults or children react to are those foods they eat often. In Japan, for example, rice allergies are more common. In Scandinavia, codfish allergies are more common.

Show All Answers

1. What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
2. What foods are most likely to cause allergic reactions?
3. What are common symptoms of a reaction to a food allergy?
4. What do restaurant owners / operators need to know about food allergies?