Complete Food Allergen Travel Guide 2025

Essential information about navigating food allergies while traveling internationally. Learn about common allergens in global cuisines, translation tools, and life-saving safety tips for travelers with food allergies and celiac disease.

Essential Pre-Travel Preparation for Food Allergies

Digital Tools

  • Equal Eats: Allergy translation cards in 58 languages
  • SelectWisely: Customizable chef cards for allergies, celiac, diabetes
  • Food Allergy App: Digital cards in 133 languages
  • Gluten Free Passport: Specialized celiac travel cards

Medical Preparation

  • Carry 2+ EpiPens if prescribed (in original packaging)
  • Doctor's note in English + local language
  • Medical ID bracelet with allergies listed
  • Travel insurance covering allergy emergencies
  • Research nearest hospitals at destination

Safe Food Supply

  • Pack allergen-free snack bars
  • Dried pasta (check ingredients)
  • Shelf-stable nut-free protein sources
  • Pre-research safe grocery stores
  • Learn to read ingredient labels in local language

Browse Allergens by Type

Ají (Peruvian chili)

Information about ají (peruvian chili) prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Allspice (Pimento)

Information about allspice (pimento) prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Cassava

Information about cassava prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Chili/Spices

Information about chili/spices prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Coconut

Information about coconut prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 2 countries

Corn

Information about corn prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 4 countries

Dairy

Information about dairy prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 33 countries

Eggs

Information about eggs prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 11 countries

Fish

Information about fish prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 9 countries

Fish and Seafood

Information about fish and seafood prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Fish and Shellfish

Information about fish and shellfish prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Gluten

Information about gluten prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 8 countries

Gluten (กลูเตน)

Information about gluten (กลูเตน) prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Legumes

Information about legumes prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Milk

Information about milk prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Mustard

Information about mustard prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Nuts

Information about nuts prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 10 countries

Peanuts

Information about peanuts prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 13 countries

Peanuts and Tree Nuts

Information about peanuts and tree nuts prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Pork

Information about pork prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 2 countries

Seafood

Information about seafood prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 6 countries

Sesame

Information about sesame prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 8 countries

Shellfish

Information about shellfish prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 14 countries

Shellfish and Fish

Information about shellfish and fish prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Soy

Information about soy prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 7 countries

Teff

Information about teff prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Tree Nuts

Information about tree nuts prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 13 countries

Tree nuts

Information about tree nuts prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 2 countries

Tropical Fruits

Information about tropical fruits prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Wheat

Information about wheat prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 19 countries

Wine/Alcohol

Information about wine/alcohol prevalence and common foods that contain it in various countries.

Common in 1 country

Best Destinations for Travelers with Food Allergies (2025)

Top Allergy-Friendly Countries

Italy - #1 for Celiac Disease

Government-subsidized gluten-free products in pharmacies. Certified gluten-free restaurants nationwide. AIC (Italian Celiac Association) certification system.

UK - Excellent Labeling Laws

14 major allergens required on menus since 2014. Extensive "Free From" product ranges in all major supermarkets. High staff training standards.

USA/Canada - Normalization

Dietary modifications widely accepted. Restaurant staff trained on allergens. Clear ingredient labeling. Medical infrastructure readily available.

Australia - High Awareness

Strict food labeling laws. Widespread understanding of cross-contamination. Excellent gluten-free and dairy-free options.

Destinations Requiring Extra Caution

Japan - Hidden Ingredients

Fish stock (dashi) in most dishes. Soy and wheat ubiquitous. Limited understanding of severe allergies. Prepare translation cards.

Thailand - Peanuts & Shellfish

Peanuts and shrimp paste in many dishes. Cross-contamination common in street food. Language barrier significant.

Rural Areas Globally

Limited allergen awareness. Fewer safe food options. Language barriers. Stick to major cities when possible.

France - Dairy Prevalence

Butter, cream, and cheese in most traditional dishes. Cross-contamination in bakeries. Growing awareness but still challenging.

Essential Phrases for Allergy Communication

Spanish

  • "Tengo alergia a..." (I'm allergic to...)
  • "¿Contiene cacahuetes?" (Does this contain peanuts?)
  • "Sin gluten, por favor" (Gluten-free, please)
  • "Es muy importante" (It's very important)

French

  • "Je suis allergique à..." (I'm allergic to...)
  • "Ça contient des arachides?" (Does this contain peanuts?)
  • "Sans gluten, s'il vous plaît" (Gluten-free, please)
  • "C'est très grave" (It's very serious)

Japanese

  • "私は〜アレルギーです" (I'm allergic to...)
  • "ピーナッツが入っていますか?" (Does this contain peanuts?)
  • "グルテンフリー" (Gluten-free)
  • "とても重要です" (It's very important)

Mandarin Chinese

  • "我对...过敏" (I'm allergic to...)
  • "这个有花生吗?" (Does this contain peanuts?)
  • "无麸质" (Gluten-free)
  • "这非常重要" (This is very important)

Tip: Use professional translation card services for accurate, comprehensive allergen communication

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I communicate food allergies when traveling abroad?

Use professional allergy translation cards in the local language. Services like Equal Eats (58 languages), SelectWisely, and Food Allergy App (133 languages) provide comprehensive cards. Always show these to restaurant staff and verify ingredients before eating. Learn key phrases like "I'm allergic to..." and "Does this contain..." in the local language.

Can I bring my EpiPen on international flights?

Yes, you can bring EpiPens on international flights. Keep them in original packaging with your prescription label. Carry a doctor's note in English and the local language explaining your medical necessity. Pack 2+ EpiPens in your carry-on bag (never checked luggage). Check destination country regulations as some require advance notification.

Which countries are safest for travelers with food allergies?

Italy ranks #1 for celiac disease with government-subsidized gluten-free products and certified restaurants. UK, Australia, and EU countries have mandatory allergen labeling laws. USA and Canada have normalized dietary modifications and trained restaurant staff. These countries have strong food safety regulations and high allergy awareness.

What are the 14 major allergens required on EU menus?

Since 2014, EU law requires restaurants to disclose: cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia), celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulfur dioxide/sulfites, lupin, and mollusks. This applies to all EU member states.

How do I avoid cross-contamination when eating abroad?

Choose restaurants with dedicated allergy-free kitchens when possible. Ask about separate cooking surfaces, utensils, and fryers. Avoid buffets and street food where cross-contamination is common. Visit during off-peak hours when kitchens are less busy. In high-risk destinations, consider self-catering with groceries from trusted sources.

What should be in my allergy emergency travel kit?

Pack: 2+ EpiPens (if prescribed), antihistamines, doctor's note in English + local language, medical ID bracelet listing allergies, allergy translation cards, list of nearby hospitals, travel insurance covering allergic reactions, safe non-perishable snacks, and copies of prescriptions. Keep kit in carry-on luggage at all times.

Are there countries I should avoid with severe food allergies?

Exercise extreme caution in countries where your allergen is culturally ubiquitous: peanut/shellfish allergies in Thailand (common in most dishes), nut allergies in Middle Eastern countries (extensive use in desserts), dairy allergies in France (butter/cream-heavy cuisine), and fish allergies in Japan (dashi fish stock in most foods). Not impossible, but requires extensive preparation.

How can I find allergen-free restaurants while traveling?

Use specialized apps: Find Me Gluten Free (celiac/gluten-free), AllergyEats (user-rated allergy-friendly), HappyCow (vegan options, often allergen-friendly), and TripAdvisor with "dietary restrictions" filter. Research before travel, read recent reviews mentioning allergies, and call ahead to discuss your needs with management.