How to Shop With Food Allergies

12 Tips For Shopping With Food Allergies

1. Know your/their Allergies!

This seems obvious, but often when shopping for others it is easy to forget what their allergies are.  It may help to have a piece of paper with your/their allergies on it.

2. Be mindful of the environment.

When reading the ingredients take care to check the environment in which the product was produced. I know for me personally I cannot have foods that are produced in the same environment as some allergens (not all), or on the same equipment. My brother, on the other hand, can eat foods that are both made in the same environment, and on the same equipment.

3. Bring a friend.

It always helps me to have an “extra pair of eyes” when reading ingredient lists, my sister and I often help each other look for allergens in foods we select; plus it’s more fun!

4. Read, Read, READ!

This one may go without saying, but just so that you can’t say I didn’t tell you...READ THE INGREDIENT LISTS! Your life, or the life of someone else is depending on it! Company’s sometimes change the ingredients of their products without notifying the public, so be careful (sorry for flaming at you).

5. Take your time.

It’s important to take your time when finding foods you can eat. Reading ingredient lists takes a lot of time, but if you take time now, you will save time in the end. Eventually, you will be able to hurry and grab your groceries :)

6. Have a list…

If you have been in this for a while you may already have a list of food and food products you can eat; Keep this list handy! You will be able to add to it over time, and having this list will definitely help to cut down on shopping time.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you don’t know where to look, ask a clerk. Sometimes grocery stores have specialty food aisles such as a gluten free aisle which an associate may be able to help you find. You can even ask for a store to consider carrying products that you use.

8. Keep your ears open!

I know that it has happened to me, while talking to a sibling about the allergy safeness of a product, a fellow shopper will stop and listen and ask questions: “really?! that’s gluten free?” “Do you have allergies too? Is this what you buy?” I am always happy to answer questions and offer assistance when I can. Chances are, you may run into people who have similar allergies and can help you with selecting products.

9. Go to the store(s).

It is one thing to see what allergy safe products a store offers online, but often what you see online is not reflected in the store. You need to actually go shopping to see what all is available.

10. Do your research.

Do not cut out shopping online all together, the web is a great resource for finding companies who offer allergy-specific safe options.

11. Do not experiment!

If you have never had it before stay away from it! It is best to stick with what you know… “better safe than sorry”.

12. Have a plan.

Know what you need. If you already know what you want to prepare, you will have a good working idea of what you need to pick up; plus you will avoid purchasing items you don’t need.

13. Know the lingo!

Be familiar with the different names for the foods you are allergic to.