When a friend or loved one has been diagnosed with one of the 9 most common food allergies, it can be challenging to know how to support them. They may be struggling with the idea of giving up some of their favorite foods and feeling lonely and isolated in their food journey. 

Though you may want to help, knowing how to actually do so may not be easy. You may not want to overstep and risk them pushing away. You may wonder how to host them without risking their safety. Or you may be concerned that you can’t enjoy your favorite foods at all in their presence. 

Whatever your concerns, the most important thing is to be considerate of their safety while also simply showing them you care. 

If you’re looking for ways to support family and friends allergic to any of the 9 most common food allergens, we’ve got you covered. Read on for 8 incredibly useful tips!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about food allergies! Knowledge and good habits are your keys to supporting loved ones who are allergic to any of the 9 most common food allergens.
• Look for enjoyable foods. People with food allergies deserve to enjoy delicious foods without guilt or worry, and sharing joy with loved ones is a great way to deepen your bond.
• Be inclusive. Everyone can enjoy foods free of the 9 most common food allergens, not just those with food allergies!

All Our Snacks Are Free of the 9 Most Common Food Allergens:

• 88 Acres Seed + Oat Bars
• 88 Acres Protein Bars
• 88 Acres Seed Butters
• 88 Acres Granola

What are the 9 most common food allergens? 

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Wheat
• Soy
• Sesame

These ingredients are present in many foods, whether store-bought, served at restaurants, or prepared in someone’s home, and oftentimes foods not containing these foods are cross-contaminated regardless. Learning about how to avoid these 9 most common food allergens when spending time with your loved one is key to your success in helping them stay safe and happy.

“Food allergy has become a growing public health problem around the world.”

Dr. Pamela A. Guerrerio, M.D., Ph.D., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

8 Ways to Support Loved Ones with Food Allergies:

1. Encourage allergy testing.

First and foremost, if someone you care about experiences an unexpected allergic reaction after eating, be sure to recommend that they get tested for food allergies. 

A professional diagnosis is a necessary first step for managing food allergies daily and is essential to developing a plan for wellness. 

Once a food allergy has been formally diagnosed, you may want to support your friend by helping them communicate food allergies to the appropriate parties (babysitters, employers, grandparents, restaurant servers).

Be sure to first ask them for their consent in sharing this information — your goal here is to be supportive and help advocate for them, not to embarrass them or control their life.

2. Ask questions.

Curiosity is key to healthy relationships, so when timing is appropriate, ask questions of your loved ones living with food allergies. Consider gathering more information by gently asking: 

• What ingredients trigger their allergic reactions? 
• What are their safe, go-to foods? 
• Do they actually enjoy their go-to foods? Would they like more options? (BTW, all 88 Acres foods are free of the 9 common food allergens.)

Assure them that you’re asking questions because you care and because you want to ensure they’re safe and content. Your sincerity will let them know they don’t have to face their challenge alone, which is huge considering feelings of loneliness and isolation are common struggles for those facing food allergies.

 3. Make a plan.

If you spend a lot of time with a friend or loved one with food allergies, it’s critical that you know what to do if they begin to have a severe allergic reaction. Make sure you read up on how to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction to food as well. 

You’ll both sleep better knowing that you’re prepared to act.

4. Be someone’s shopping buddy.

We know that shopping can be stressful and time-consuming for people with food allergies (especially for those who are newly diagnosed). 

Be a shopping buddy: Offer to be someone’s extra pair of eyes on grocery runs. Your upbeat and informed hands-on help will make sure foods to keep them happy and healthy make it into their shopping carts. 

Shopping is always more fun with a buddy! 

5. Read food labels.

To be a responsible shopping buddy, you’ll need to educate yourself about ingredients and the companies producing the foods your loved one consumes. Get good at reading food labels. And be diligent about reading them. 

Hosting folks with food allergies? Check food labels on products in your kitchen and pantry. Make sure only safe snacks are within reach.

6. Explore the possibilities!

Make allergy-friendly versions of your favorite meals. Swap the usual ingredients for allergy-friendly ones. You just might find a recipe that everyone can enjoy!

Keep your creative juices flowing. Follow allergy-friendly recipe creators on social media. Browse relevant content for more ideas. Find a community in your area or online that’s passionate about eating allergen-free foods that taste good.

7. Stock up on favorites.

Ensure your loved one has suitable foods at home and on the go.

88 Acres makes well-balanced, single-serving granola and protein bars. (Think Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Seed + Oat Bars. How about Banana Bread Protein Bars with 12 grams of seed protein?) 

Bars are perfect for backpacks, convenient on road trips, and they are snacks everyone can enjoy, food allergies or not.

8. Safety first. 

Learn how to avoid cross-contact with food allergens. 

Cross-contact occurs when a food containing an allergen mixes with a food that doesn’t. Even a very small amount of unsafe food can trigger an allergic reaction. 

Along with reading food labels closely, here are a few great habits to develop:

• Wash cookware, utensils, and dishes with soap and water, before and after use.
• Clean kitchen and dining surfaces with soap and water or disinfectant.
• Wash your hands with soap and water. (Hand sanitizer alone won’t remove allergens!)
• Keep allergy-friendly foods away from other foods.

Part of being a good host and friend is doing what you can to make sure others are happy and healthy.

“A food allergy can bring many changes to a family’s everyday life. It’s normal to be overwhelmed or anxious if you’re not sure where to start.”

Kim Menzel, LMSW, ACSW, Michigan Medicine Food Allergy and Specialty Clinic

The Little Things Matter a Lot

Getting through the day can cause anxiety for loved ones allergic to any of the 9 most common food allergens. On the brighter side, you want to help. And you can!

Reading food labels, introducing new food options you both can enjoy, and simply washing your hands are small but real ways to show someone you’re on their side.

FAQ About the 9 Most Common Food Allergens

Q: What exactly is a food allergy?

A: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains that food allergies occur when a person’s immune system reacts to a substance in a food that their body sees as harmful. This triggers a series of physical reactions. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. 

Q: What are the symptoms of a food allergy reaction?

A: Cleveland Clinic notes that individuals experience symptoms within two hours of eating. Symptoms include:

• Hives or skin rash
• Swelling of the lips or eyelids

• Itching mouth and throat, tongue swelling
• Hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing
• Cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. 

Q: Is a food sensitivity or intolerance the same as a food allergy?

A: No. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics distinguishes a food intolerance from a food allergy this way: A food intolerance occurs when a body isn’t able to digest a certain component of a food. (Lactose, anyone?). Symptoms may be unpleasant but aren’t life-threatening.

Q: How many Americans live with food allergies?

A: The National Institutes of Health estimates that nearly 32 million Americans live with food allergies, including 1 in 13 kids.

Q: Is there a cure for food allergies?

A: In an interview with the U.S Food & Drug Administration, allergy and immunology expert Dr. Stefano Luccioli, M.D., said that “although a lot of progress has been made, we still don’t have a cure for food allergies.” 

Q: I see a lot of articles online about the 8 most common food allergens, not 9. Which is correct?

A: According to the Food and Drug Administration, The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act took effect on January 1, 2023, declaring sesame the 9th major food allergen. 

The 8 others were previously identified in the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 as responsible for 90 percent of food allergies and the most common causes of severe food reactions in the United States. 

Q: Can adults develop food allergies they didn’t have as children?

A: Yes. Data from a recent study estimates that more than 13 million adults have developed at least one food allergy that they didn't have as a child. 

According to food allergy researcher Dr. Ruchi Gupta M.D.: "Additionally, about one in four adults said they developed an allergy as an adult and never had a food allergy as a child."