A List of Hypoallergenic Foods

While any individual can experience an allergic reaction to any food, some foods are significantly less likely to provoke such responses in the body.

While not entirely allergy-proof, these hypoallergenic foods are often recommended by healthcare providers as part of an elimination diet to help determine whether any of the foods a person is eating are causing an allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic foods can’t prevent allergies from other foods, but people with active allergies may find them less likely to cause a reaction.

Eating a hypoallergenic diet can be challenging at times, since common foods like wheat, eggs, milk, and soy all have allergens in them. However, with some planning, you can find a variety of hypoallergenic foods that are both delicious and nutritious.

For instance, there are few allergy incidents reported for berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries. Almost all other fruit classes carry a higher allergy risk.

Alternatively, you may be less likely to experience allergies with leafy greens, like spinach and kale; certain tubers, like sweet potatoes; and some cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

• Healthcare providers use hypoallergenic foods in elimination diets to identify triggers and help individuals with active allergies lower their risk of a reaction.
• Safer, low-risk options across various food groups include certain berries, leafy greens, poultry, mammal meats, and specific grains, like millet and sorghum.
• While common allergens like wheat, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts should be avoided if you know you’re allergic to them, nutritious produce, like sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and black beans, are less likely to provoke immune responses in those who experience food allergies.