Best Comprehensive Test Kits for Multiple Food Allergies
Food allergies are a growing concern worldwide, affecting millions of people of all ages. For those who suspect they might be dealing with food allergies or sensitivities, accurate testing can be a crucial step toward better health. Comprehensive test kits for food allergies offer a convenient way to screen for multiple allergens at once, from the comfort of your own home. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one?
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best comprehensive test kits for multiple food allergies, helping you make an informed decision based on accuracy, coverage, and ease of use.
What Are Food Allergy Test Kits?
Food allergy test kits are designed to help individuals identify which foods might be causing an allergic reaction or food sensitivity. These kits typically require a small sample, such as blood, saliva, or hair, which is analyzed in a laboratory to detect specific antibodies (like IgE or IgG) that indicate an allergic response.
Many kits cover a broad range of allergens, from common ones like nuts and dairy to more obscure triggers such as spices or food additives. The results can provide insight into which foods you should avoid and help you manage symptoms more effectively.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Test Kits
Before diving into the list, here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right food allergy test kit:
Range of Allergens Tested: Does the kit cover a comprehensive range of potential food allergens?
Type of Testing: Is it testing for IgE-mediated allergies (true allergies) or IgG (sensitivities)?
Sample Collection Method: Does it use blood, hair, or saliva samples? Is the process user-friendly?
Accuracy and Reliability: Are the results medically reviewed? Does the company use CLIA-certified labs?
Result Turnaround Time: How quickly will you receive your results?
Follow-Up Support: Does the company offer professional consultations or guidance after the results are delivered?
Now, let’s explore the best options available on the market today.
1. Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test
Everlywell is one of the most popular at-home test kit providers, known for offering a wide range of health testing solutions. Their Food Sensitivity Test screens for 96 different foods, including dairy, grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and more.
Sample Type: Blood (finger prick)
Testing Type: IgG antibodies (food sensitivities, not IgE true allergies)
Turnaround Time: 5–7 business days
Key Features:
Easy-to-use finger prick collection
Interactive online results with detailed reports
Available follow-up with healthcare professionals
Best for: Individuals looking to identify potential food sensitivities causing symptoms like bloating, headaches, or fatigue.
2. 5Strands Affordable Testing
The 5Strands Food Intolerance Test is a non-invasive, budget-friendly option that tests for over 640 food items. This test is different from traditional allergy testing as it uses bioresonance technology to detect intolerances through hair samples.
Sample Type: Hair
Testing Type: Food intolerance (sensitivities, not allergies)
Turnaround Time: 7–10 business days
Key Features:
Large number of foods tested
No blood or needles involved
Focuses on intolerances rather than allergies
Best for: Those interested in testing for a wide variety of food intolerances without needing to collect blood.
3. YorkTest Premium Food Sensitivity Test
YorkTest offers one of the more comprehensive food sensitivity kits with their Premium Food Sensitivity Test, covering up to 208 different food and drink ingredients.
Sample Type: Blood (finger prick)
Testing Type: IgG antibodies
Turnaround Time: 10 business days
Key Features:
Extensive testing panel covering common and less common foods
Follow-up consultation with a nutritional therapist included
Actionable advice based on results to help eliminate or manage trigger foods
Best for: Those wanting a highly detailed report and professional follow-up guidance.
4. Allergex Food Allergy Test
For individuals who suspect they have true food allergies (IgE-mediated), the Allergex Food Allergy Test offers a more focused option. This test screens for 44 common food allergens and provides insights into specific allergic reactions.
Sample Type: Blood
Testing Type: IgE antibodies (true food allergies)
Turnaround Time: 7 business days
Key Features:
Specific to IgE-mediated food allergies
Screens for 44 of the most common food allergens, such as shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and more
CLIA-certified laboratory testing
Best for: Those who suspect they have a true food allergy that could lead to severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
5. Cerascreen Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Test
Cerascreen offers a comprehensive testing kit that checks for both food sensitivities and intolerances, screening for 95 foods and other substances. Their test is known for being highly accurate due to its stringent lab standards.
Sample Type: Blood (finger prick)
Testing Type: IgG antibodies
Turnaround Time: 10–14 days
Key Features:
Professional analysis in certified laboratories
Detailed report with actionable steps to improve diet
Free app to track your results and recommendations
Best for: Those looking for an accurate and comprehensive test for food sensitivities combined with an intuitive digital experience.
6. Check My Body Health Food Sensitivity Test
This test screens for 970 food and non-food items, making it one of the broadest food sensitivity tests available. It uses hair samples and bioresonance technology to identify potential intolerances.
Sample Type: Hair
Testing Type: Food sensitivities and intolerances
Turnaround Time: 7 days
Key Features:
Extremely comprehensive testing panel
Non-invasive sample collection
Suitable for those with general unexplained symptoms
Best for: Those who want to test for a vast number of allergens and prefer non-invasive methods.
Conclusion
Choosing the right comprehensive test kit for multiple food allergies depends on your specific needs—whether you’re trying to identify food sensitivities or true allergies. Kits like Everlywell and YorkTest are great for those looking into food sensitivities, while Allergex offers a more focused approach for detecting true allergies. Keep in mind that while home test kits provide useful insights, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to validate results and guide dietary changes.
By understanding the range of options available and what each test kit offers, you can take the first steps toward better health and peace of mind.
