Last updated: June 2026
If you live with food allergies, support someone who does, or work in food or education, understanding the 14 major allergens is essential.
Across the United Kingdom, food businesses are legally required to provide information about these allergens when they are used as ingredients. Knowing where they are commonly found can help people make safer choices and reduce the risk of accidental allergic reactions.
This guide provides an overview of each of the 14 major allergens and links to more detailed information where available.
Quick Summary
- ✅ The UK recognises 14 major allergens that must be declared when used as ingredients.
- ✅ Food businesses must provide allergen information to consumers.
- ✅ Some allergens are obvious, while others can appear in unexpected foods.
- ✅ Always read ingredient labels carefully, even if you have purchased a product before.
- ✅ Recipes and manufacturing processes can change without notice.
What Are the 14 Major Allergens?
The 14 major allergens recognised under UK food information regulations are:
- Celery
- Cereals containing gluten (including wheat, barley, rye and oats)
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Lupin
- Milk
- Molluscs
- Mustard
- Peanuts
- Sesame
- Soya
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
- Tree nuts
Let’s look at each one in more detail.
🥛 Milk
Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies, particularly in young children. It should not be confused with lactose intolerance, which is a different condition.
Milk can be found in:
- Cheese
- Butter
- Cream
- Yoghurts
- Chocolate
- Cakes and biscuits
- Sauces
- Ready meals
➡️ Read our full Milk Allergy Guide.
🥚 Egg
Egg allergy is particularly common during childhood but can continue into adulthood.
Egg may be found in:
- Cakes
- Mayonnaise
- Pasta
- Pastries
- Pancakes
- Some processed meats
- Desserts
➡️ Read our full Egg Allergy Guide.
🥜 Peanuts
Peanut allergy can cause severe allergic reactions and often persists throughout life.
Peanuts may appear in:
- Peanut butter
- Asian dishes
- Confectionery
- Sauces
- Cereals
- Snack foods
➡️ Read our full Peanut Allergy Guide.
🌰 Tree Nuts
Tree nuts include almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios and macadamias.
They are commonly found in:
- Cakes
- Chocolates
- Pesto
- Breakfast cereals
- Nut oils
- Desserts
➡️ Read our full Tree Nut Guide.
🌾 Cereals Containing Gluten
This category includes wheat, barley, rye and oats where applicable.
They may be found in:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Breakfast cereals
- Pastries
- Batter
- Beer
- Gravies
➡️ Read our Wheat and Gluten Guide.
🌱 Soya
Soya is widely used in processed foods and vegetarian alternatives.
Common sources include:
- Soya milk
- Tofu
- Soya sauce
- Meat substitutes
- Chocolate
- Bakery products
➡️ Read our Soya Guide.
🌿 Sesame
Sesame allergy has become increasingly common.
Sesame can appear in:
- Burger buns
- Breadsticks
- Hummus
- Oils
- Crackers
- Asian cuisine
➡️ Read our Sesame Guide.
🐟 Fish
Fish allergy is different from shellfish allergy and should be considered separately.
Fish may be found in:
- Fish fingers
- Fish sauces
- Anchovy paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Some dressings
➡️ Read our Fish Allergy Guide.
🦐 Crustaceans
Crustaceans include prawns, crab, lobster and shrimp.
Common sources include:
- Seafood dishes
- Paella
- Curries
- Stocks
- Sauces
➡️ Read our Crustacean Allergy Guide.
🦪 Molluscs
Molluscs include mussels, oysters, squid, scallops and snails.
They may be found in:
- Seafood platters
- Pasta dishes
- Restaurant specials
- Fish stews
➡️ Read our Mollusc Allergy Guide.
🌼 Mustard
Mustard can be hidden in many prepared foods.
Examples include:
- Salad dressings
- Sandwich fillings
- Marinades
- Sauces
- Spice mixes
➡️ Read our Mustard Allergy Guide.
🌿 Celery
Celery allergy is more common than many people realise.
Celery may appear in:
- Soups
- Stocks
- Seasonings
- Ready meals
- Salad mixes
➡️ Read our Celery Allergy Guide.
🌱 Lupin
Lupin is a flour made from lupin beans and is increasingly used in baking.
It may be found in:
- Bread
- Pastries
- Cakes
- Gluten-free products
- Flour blends
➡️ Read our Lupin Guide.
🧂 Sulphur Dioxide and Sulphites
Sulphites are preservatives used in many foods and drinks.
Common examples include:
- Wine
- Dried fruit
- Soft drinks
- Processed potatoes
- Pickled foods
➡️ Read our Sulphites Guide.
Reading Food Labels
Always check ingredient labels carefully.
Even if you regularly buy the same product:
- Manufacturers can change recipes.
- Suppliers may change ingredients.
- Production methods can change.
- New allergen warnings may be introduced.
Never assume a product is safe based on previous purchases.
Eating Out with Allergies
When eating away from home:
- Tell staff about your allergy clearly.
- Ask questions if you are unsure.
- Do not rely on assumptions.
- Consider cross-contamination risks.
- Avoid eating something if you are not confident it is safe.
Good communication can significantly reduce risk.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the 14 major allergens is one of the most important steps in managing food allergies safely.
Whether you are living with allergies yourself, supporting a family member, working in education, or preparing food professionally, awareness and clear communication can make a real difference.
At The Allergy Community, our goal is to provide practical, trustworthy information that helps people feel more informed, more confident, and better supported every day.
Related Guides
You may also find these guides helpful:
📘 Natasha’s Law: What It Means for Food Allergy Safety – Learn how UK food labelling rules help people make safer choices.
🏫 Benedict’s Law: What It Means for Schools and Parents – Discover the campaign to improve allergy safety in schools.
🍽️ Eating Out with Food Allergies – Practical advice for reducing risk when dining away from home.
🚨 Anaphylaxis: Signs, Symptoms and Emergency Action – Understand the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and what to do in an emergency.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Food allergies affect everyone differently. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis, treatment, or allergy management.
Food manufacturers may change ingredients or production methods without notice, so always read labels carefully every time you purchase or consume a product.