Diets and allergens
Diets and the major food allergens, with the EU and US definitions side by side.
- Celery allergyA celery allergy is a reaction to celery stalks, leaves, seeds or celeriac. It is one of the EU 14 allergens but not a major allergen in the US.
- Celiac diseaseCeliac disease (coeliac disease in the UK) is an autoimmune condition in which gluten damages the gut. Cooking for it means no wheat, rye or barley.
- Cereals containing glutenCereals containing gluten is the EU allergen group for wheat, rye, barley and oats, including spelt and khorasan. Labels must name the grain.
- CrustaceansCrustaceans are shellfish with jointed shells, such as shrimp, crab, lobster and crayfish. They are a major allergen in both the EU and the US.
- Dairy-freeDairy-free food contains no milk or anything made from milk, including butter, cheese, cream, whey and casein. Here is how to cook and shop for it.
- Egg allergyAn egg allergy is a reaction to proteins in egg white or yolk. Eggs hide in fresh pasta, mayonnaise, glazes and baked goods, so read every label.
- EU 14 allergensThe EU 14 allergens are the foods that EU and UK law says must be emphasized on food labels and declared by restaurants, from gluten to lupin.
- Fish allergyA fish allergy is a reaction to proteins in finned fish such as salmon, cod and tuna. It is separate from shellfish allergy and labeled in the EU and US.
- Gluten-freeGluten-free on a label means under 20 parts per million of gluten in the EU, UK and US. Here is what that covers and how to cook gluten-free at home.
- HalalHalal means permitted under Islamic law. In food it rules out pork and alcohol and requires meat from animals slaughtered in a set way.
- KetoKeto is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat way of eating meant to push the body into ketosis. It cuts grains, sugar, starchy vegetables and most fruit.
- KosherKosher food follows Jewish dietary law, which limits the animals you can eat, keeps meat and dairy apart and sets rules for how food is made.
- Lactose-freeLactose-free dairy has the milk sugar lactose broken down or removed. It suits lactose intolerance but is still milk, so it is unsafe for a milk allergy.
- Low FODMAPA low FODMAP diet limits certain fermentable carbs, such as those in onion, garlic and wheat, to ease gut symptoms. It works best with a dietitian.
- LupinLupin is a legume whose seeds and flour turn up in some European breads, pastries and gluten-free foods. It is one of the EU 14 allergens.
- Milk allergyA milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins such as casein and whey. It is not lactose intolerance, and lactose-free milk is not safe for it.
- MollusksMollusks are soft-bodied shellfish such as mussels, clams, oysters, squid and octopus. They are an EU allergen but not a major allergen in the US.
- Mustard allergyA mustard allergy is a reaction to mustard seeds, powder, oil or prepared mustard. It is one of the EU 14 allergens but not a major allergen in the US.
- PeanutsPeanuts are legumes, not tree nuts, and a common cause of severe allergic reactions. EU, UK and US law all require them to be labeled.
- PescatarianA pescatarian eats fish and seafood but no other meat or poultry. Most also eat eggs and dairy. Here is what that means when you cook and shop.
- SesameSesame is a seed allergen found in tahini, sesame oil, breads and spice mixes. It is labeled in the EU and has been a US major allergen since 2023.
- Soy allergyA soy allergy is a reaction to proteins in soybeans. Soy turns up in soy sauce, tofu, miso and many processed foods, and is labeled in the EU and US.
- SulfitesSulfites are preservatives found in wine, dried fruit and some pickles. Above 10 mg per kg or liter they must be declared on EU, UK and US labels.
- Tree nutsTree nuts include almonds, walnuts, cashews and hazelnuts. The EU and the US define the group differently, so their labels can name different nuts.
- US major allergensThe US major food allergens are nine foods that must be named on US labels, from milk, eggs and peanuts to wheat, soy and, since 2023, sesame.
- VeganVegan food contains no animal products at all, so no meat, fish, dairy, eggs or honey, and none of the hidden ones such as gelatin, whey or fish sauce.
- VegetarianA vegetarian diet leaves out meat, poultry and fish. Most vegetarians eat eggs and dairy, but hidden animal products like gelatin and rennet slip in.
- Wheat allergyA wheat allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in wheat. It is not celiac disease, and some foods labeled gluten-free can still contain wheat.