Best places to shop with food allergies
Where to shop with food allergies: A Comprehensive Guide
Exploring allergy-friendly food brands is crucial for individuals with dietary restrictions and sensitivities. Knowing where to shop for those brands is also vital. As the awareness of food allergies grows, finding reliable brands that cater to specific dietary needs becomes essential, from gluten- to dairy- and nut-free options.
In this blog post, I will delve into some of my favourite allergy-friendly brands, plus where to buy, online or locally, that provide a wide range of delicious and safe alternatives for those with food intolerances and sensitivities.
Whether you're a parent navigating allergen avoidance for your child or an individual seeking convenient and healthy choices, these brands offer allergen-friendly convenience options that make life easier and safer.
Join me as we explore these remarkable brands and discover the options they provide for a hassle-free and enjoyable dining experience.
I will be covering:
Understanding food allergies
What food allergies are
Common food allergies
Importance of Allergy-Friendly Food Brands
Understanding Food Allergies
How to Identify Allergy-Friendly Food Brands
Reading Food Labels ( in the UK) It might be different outside of the Uk check your countries legislation.
Certifications and Allergen Testing
Researching Online Reviews and Recommendations
Local Health Food Stores
Online Retailers
Delivery Services
What are food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities?
A food allergy is an immune system response to a specific food, triggering symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
A food sensitivity, on the other hand, refers to a non-immune response to certain foods, resulting in symptoms like bloating, gas, or headaches. Although uncomfortable, it is not usually life-threatening.
Lastly, food intolerance is the inability to digest or process certain food components, such as lactose or gluten. This can cause digestive issues but does not involve the immune system. It is important to differentiate between these terms for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of food-related issues.
Please consult a doctor if you are experiencing any issues with food or suspect you might have an intolerance, allergy or sensitivity.
Common Food Allergens
Certain foods are more likely to trigger allergic reactions than others. These foods are known as common food allergens. The most prevalent food allergens in the UK include:
Milk: People with a milk allergy are allergic to the proteins found in cow's milk, which can cause digestive issues, skin rashes, and respiratory problems.
Eggs: Egg allergies are common in children and can cause symptoms such as hives, stomach pain, and difficulty breathing.
Peanuts: Peanut allergies are one of the most well-known and severe allergies. Ingesting peanuts or even inhaling peanut dust can lead to severe allergic reactions.
Tree Nuts: This category includes nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Tree nut allergies can cause similar reactions to peanut allergies and are also considered potentially serious.
Soy: Soy allergies can cause digestive problems, skin reactions, and respiratory issues. Soy is a common ingredient in many processed foods, so individuals with soy allergies must carefully read food labels.
Wheat: Wheat allergies can trigger digestive issues, skin rashes, and in some cases, a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Fish/Shellfish/Mollusc; Allergies to fish, and shellfish can cause a range of symptoms, from mild allergic reactions to severe, potentially life-threatening ones.
Lupin; Lupin (also spelt lupine) is a legume belonging to the same plant family as peanuts. Lupin beans are eaten whole and are also used to make ingredients such as lupin flour and lupin protein. Allergic reactions to lupin may include hives, oral itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, runny nose or watery eyes, difficulty breathing, coughs, wheezing, and cardiovascular symptoms, such as low blood pressure or anaphylaxis.
It's important to note that these are just some of the common food allergens, and individuals can also have allergies to other foods. In the UK, the government have marked 14 allergens of those not listed above—the following need to be noted in menus and food products across the UK.
Mustard
Sulphur dioxide
Sesame
Celery
How to Identify Allergy-Friendly Food Brands
Importance of Allergy-Friendly Food Brands
Food allergies can restrict one's daily life and diet choices, but allergy-friendly food brands provide safe and suitable options. These brands specialise in producing allergen-free foods and clearly label their products. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure their products meet the highest safety standards, offering peace of mind to people with food allergies. Supporting these brands promotes inclusivity and allows everyone to enjoy meals without worrying about allergic reactions.
Reading food labels is an essential skill for anyone dealing with food allergies. It allows you to identify potential allergens and make informed decisions about the products you consume. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
Check for allergen warnings: Look for clear and prominent statements on the packaging that indicate the presence of common allergens such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. These warnings are usually placed in bold or highlighted text to ensure easy visibility.
Scan the ingredient list: Thoroughly read the ingredient list to identify any ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction. Be aware of hidden sources of allergens, as they can go by different names or be derived from unexpected sources.
Look for dedicated facilities: Some brands have specific facilities or production lines that are free from certain allergens. These labels indicate that the product is manufactured in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Certifications and allergen testing provide additional reassurance when identifying allergy-friendly food brands. Look for the following certifications on food packaging:
Free-From Certifications: These certifications indicate that a particular product is free from specific allergens or ingredients, providing peace of mind for individuals with allergies. Common free-from certifications include "gluten-free," "dairy-free," and "nut-free."
Third-Party Certifications: Some brands voluntarily undergo third-party testing to verify the absence of allergens in their products. Look for certifications from reputable organisations such as the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) or the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Researching Online Reviews and Recommendations
In addition to reading labels and certifications, researching online reviews and recommendations can be helpful in identifying allergy-friendly food brands. Here are a few tips to make the most out of this approach:
Visit allergy-specific forums: Online communities dedicated to food allergies can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Engage with others with similar allergies and inquire about their experiences with different brands. Facebook has some really great groups that are useful for those with allergies or intolerances.
Remember, if you are uncertain about a particular ingredient or allergen, it is always best to contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.
Review trusted websites: Check trustworthy websites focusing on food allergy awareness and resources. These websites often provide lists, guides, and reviews of allergy-friendly brands, helping you make informed choices. Websites like
BDA The association of Uk dieticians
Remember to always consult with healthcare professionals if you have specific concerns or questions regarding your allergies.
Where to buy allergy friendly foods in the UK
This section will discuss three main sources for discovering and purchasing allergy-friendly food brands: local health food stores, online retailers, and delivery services.
Here are some of the best options:
1. Holland & Barrett: Holland & Barrett is a well-known health food store in the UK, and their website offers a variety of allergy-friendly products, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. They are on every high street and also online.
2. Ocado: Ocado is an online supermarket with a dedicated dietary section. They offer a selection of allergy-friendly foods, including options for gluten-free, nut-free, and other dietary restrictions. It’s one of my favourite places to shop.
3. Tesco Free From: Tesco's Free From range includes a wide variety of allergy-friendly products, and you can find them on the Tesco website and in your local store. They offer options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary preferences.
4. Sainsbury's Free From; Sainsbury's Free From range is also available on their website and includes a diverse selection of allergy-friendly foods. You can filter your search by specific dietary requirements.
5. Asda Free From: Asda's Free From range can be found on their website and in-store, offering various allergen-free products. They have options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets.
6. Planet Organic: Planet Organic specialises in organic and natural products and offers a range of allergy-friendly foods. Their website allows you to shop by dietary requirement, making it easy to find suitable products. The variety they have is insane. Definitely worth a look.
7. Goodness Direct: Goodness Direct is an online health food store with a broad selection of allergy-friendly and free-from products, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan items.
8. The Allergy Shop: The Allergy Shop is a UK-based online retailer catering to individuals with allergies and dietary restrictions. They offer a wide range of allergy-friendly products that are non-food based.
9. The Grape Tree: Find them on every high street in the UK. They are also available online. You can find lots of bogof deals here. It’s one of my favourite and cheapest places to shop. From nuts and seeds to superfoods and so much more.
10. Yumbles: Yumbles is an online marketplace for artisan and independent food producers, and they have a section dedicated to allergy-friendly and free-from foods. I love the gifts and food hamper section.
11. Kirstys: Is a company that produces ready-made meals and desserts that are allergy-friendly—sold at supermarkets
12. The healthstore: An online retailer selling allergy-friendly health foods. Also, please take a look at the supplements and superfoods.
13. Healthy supplies: Another online retailer selling healthy supplies that are allergy-friendly. Their range is pretty impressive, definitely one to bookmark.
14. Amazon UK: Amazon UK offers a vast selection of allergy-friendly foods, including products from various brands. You can use filters to narrow down your search by dietary preferences.
15. Knife fork bakery: Artisan gluten-free bakers based in Oxfordshire. They deliver nationwide. The range of breads they do are pretty impressive and don’t fall apart when you breathe or taste like cardboard. It’s what the gluten-free community have been craving for.
16. Welleasy: This subscription-based company sells discounted health food brands. I love this company so much that I became an affiliate. They have over 50 filters, so shopping for free from foods is really easy. The website is really user-friendly, and the variety of brands and products they stock is mind-blowing. Use my code KAM10 at the checkout to get £10 off your first order.
17. Deliciously Ella: If you haven’t heard of Deliciously Ella, where have you been? Ella is famous for her vegan and gluten-free healthy food. It all started with her blog writing; now, she has a multimillion-dollar business. Her food range includes a vast selection of plant-based products that are available in most supermarkets. I have tried many of her products and highly recommend them.
Subscription boxes:
It can be a convenient way to discover new allergy-friendly and intolerance-friendly products in the UK. Here are some of the best subscription boxes tailored to allergies and intolerances:
1. The Goodness Project: The Goodness Project offers a variety of subscription boxes, including gluten-free and vegan options. They curate boxes filled with snacks, pantry staples, and other treats suitable for various dietary needs.
2. Love Free From: Love Free From provides a monthly subscription box containing a mix of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan snacks and treats. They also offer boxes tailored to specific dietary requirements.
3. Nutribox: Nutribox delivers a selection of nutritious snacks to your door, with options for gluten-free, vegan, and other dietary preferences.
4. Graze: Graze offers a customisable snack subscription service that allows you to select snacks based on dietary preferences, including gluten-free and vegan options
If you are looking for Nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan chocolate to buy online, try:
Iain Burnett: Discover the Highland Chocolatier's award-winning, artisan nut-free chocolate collection. Shop from a luxury range of dipped fruits, world-renowned Velvet Truffles, florentines, and bars. The recipes do not include nuts but are handled in the same kitchen, so traces are always possible.
Cocoa Libre: Create delicious chocolate that everyone can enjoy, regardless of allergies or dietary requirements—nut, dairy & gluten-free.
Plamil: Explore nut, vegan and gluten-free chocolate. They have stringent controls when working with allergens, so you can be confident they have all bases covered.
The chocolate trading co: – Go check out this website. They offer a variety of brands with differing allergy-specific chocolate suitable for many. Free from Soya Lecithin Wheat & Gluten Dairy Vegan No added sugar Vegetarian Organic Nut-free Fairtrade
Rhythm 108: Vegan, organic and gluten-free chocolate and biscuits that are not full of rubbish either. This is one of my favourite brands.
Booja Booja – These are probably one of my favourites, high quality and vegan organic gluten-free chocolate that taste incredibly indulgent.
NB: Review the food service offerings, pricing, and subscription terms before subscribing. Check product descriptions and labels carefully when shopping for allergy-friendly foods. Consider subscription services or bulk discounts to save on your favourite allergy-friendly products. Always consult with a doctor or allergist for more information about your requirements.
It’s a (gluten-free) wrap!
Discovering allergy-friendly food brands can be life-changing for those with food allergies or intolerances. These brands offer safe and delicious meal options to suit different dietary restrictions, making it easier to enjoy meals without worrying about allergic reactions. By researching other brands and experimenting with their products, you can discover new favourites and expand your culinary horizons. Embrace a life of tasty food that caters to your unique dietary needs by exploring allergy-friendly food brands today.
Take a look at some of my other articles you may find helpful:
My guide to dairy-free cooking and baking
Decoding Soy Labels: Unmasking the Elusive Soy Additives in Processed Foods
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