Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide and can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Even if you do not have a diagnosed allergy, understanding allergens on product labels is essential for protecting yourself and your family.
The Big 9 Allergens
Most countries require labeling of the most common allergens. These typically include:
- Milk — Found in dairy products and many baked goods, sauces, and processed foods.
- Eggs — Common in baked goods, pasta, mayonnaise, and some wines.
- Peanuts — One of the most severe allergens; found in snacks, sauces, and Asian cuisine.
- Tree nuts — Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and others; often in chocolates and granola.
- Soy — Present in many processed foods as soy protein, lecithin, or soybean oil.
- Wheat — Includes gluten-containing grains; critical for celiac disease management.
- Fish — Can appear in Worcestershire sauce, dressings, and omega-3 supplements.
- Shellfish — Shrimp, crab, lobster; often hidden in Asian sauces and flavorings.
- Sesame — Increasingly recognized; found in breads, hummus, and snack bars.
Hidden Allergen Sources
Allergens are not always obvious. "Natural flavors," "spices," and "modified food starch" can contain allergen traces. Cross-contamination warnings like "may contain traces of nuts" are voluntary in many regions but should be taken seriously.
How Vital Scan Protects You
Set your allergen profile in Vital Scan and every scanned product is automatically checked against your sensitivities. The app highlights matching allergens instantly, so you never have to decode complex labels alone.