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Food allergy and label guides
Plain-language guides to allergen labels, hidden allergen names, “may contain” warnings, eating out and travelling with food allergies, and cosmetic ingredients.
Reading labels
- How to read allergen labels on food (EU, UK and US)Where allergens appear on a food label in the EU, UK and US, what bold text and "Contains" mean, and a 6-step routine for checking every pack.
- What does "may contain" mean on food labels?"May contain", "traces of" and "made in a factory that handles" explained: why they are voluntary, what they do not tell you, and how to decide.
- The 14 EU allergens list, explained with examplesThe 14 allergens that must be emphasised on EU and UK food labels (Annex II of Regulation 1169/2011), with examples, other names and legal exemptions.
- The 9 major food allergens in the US (FALCPA and sesame)The nine major US food allergens, how FALCPA and the FASTER Act require them on labels, which tree nuts count, and what US labels leave out.
- E-numbers explained, what the codes on food labels meanWhat E-numbers are, how the number ranges work (colours, preservatives, emulsifiers), which ones come from allergens, and the warnings EU law requires.
Hidden allergen names
- Hidden gluten on food labels, names to look forOther names for wheat, barley and rye on ingredient lists, which ingredients are usually fine, and what "gluten-free" legally means in the EU, UK and US.
- Hidden milk on labels, other names for dairyCasein, whey, ghee, lactose and other names for milk on ingredient lists, the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance, and label traps.
- Hidden egg on food labels, other names for eggAlbumen, ovalbumin, lysozyme (E1105) and other names for egg on ingredient lists, foods where egg hides, and what to check on glazes, pasta and drinks.
- Hidden soy on food labels, other names for soyaSoy lecithin, edamame, miso, tempeh, TVP and other soya names on ingredient lists, plus which refined soy ingredients are exempt from allergen labels.
- Hidden peanut and tree nut names on food labelsOther names for peanuts and tree nuts (arachis oil, marzipan, praline, gianduja), which nuts the EU and US list, and nut names on cosmetics.
- Sesame, mustard, celery and lupin, the overlooked allergensWhere sesame, mustard, celery and lupin hide (tahini, spice mixes, stock cubes, gluten-free flours), and how EU and US labels treat each one.
Eating out, travel and school
- Travelling with food allergies, restaurant allergy cardsHow to plan a trip with a food allergy, what a good restaurant allergy card says, how to use it with staff abroad, and what to pack for emergencies.
- Eating out with coeliac disease, a practical guideEating out gluten-free with coeliac disease: choosing a restaurant, questions to ask, and cross-contamination traps like fryers and pasta water.
- Food allergies at school and childcare, what to give carersWhat to give a school, nursery or babysitter for a child with food allergies: action plan, auto-injectors, hidden names and safe snacks.
Skin care and everyday tools
- Reading cosmetic INCI ingredient lists for sensitive skinHow to read INCI lists on skincare, which fragrance allergens EU law names, common skin irritants, and food allergens hidden in cosmetics.
- How to choose an allergen scanner app, a checklistBarcode database or label reading? What to check in an allergen scanner app, from allergen lists and "may contain" to languages and privacy.
- How to keep a food reaction diary to find triggersWhat to note after a reaction to food or skincare, how a diary helps your doctor or allergist, and mistakes to avoid, like home allergy tests.
Guides
- Allergy and ingredient scanner apps comparedBarcode scorers, diet and allergy filter apps, cosmetic ingredient apps and label readers: what each type does well, its limits, and how to choose.
- IngrediLens: questions and answersHow IngrediLens reads labels, which languages it supports, what stays on your device, free vs Premium, offline use, accuracy limits and how to cancel.
- Yuka alternative for food allergies: what to useYuka rates how healthy a product is. People with food allergies or coeliac disease need something else: personal allergen filters and "may contain" checks.
Free tools
- Free restaurant allergy card (15 languages)Make, print or save a card that explains your food allergies to restaurant staff abroad.
- Ingredient list allergen checkerPaste an ingredient list and see which of your allergens and “may contain” warnings it mentions.
E-number lookup (English) · About IngrediLens
Check labels with IngrediLens
Point your iPhone camera at an ingredient list and IngrediLens highlights the allergens you chose and “may contain” statements. Free to start, no account, and your data stays on your device.
Download on the App StoreGeneral information, not medical advice. Always read the label on the product itself and follow the advice of your doctor or allergist. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis, use their adrenaline auto-injector if they have one and call emergency services.
