Where To Find Special Foods?

Thousands of people suffer from food allergies. A person can be allergic to any type of food, but some of the most common are allergies to milk, nuts, wheat, and eggs. Some allergic reactions result in hives or rashes, while a more serious reaction called anaphylaxis can cause death if not treated promptly.

It’s important to avoid foods that can cause a reaction, and in some cases, finding allergen-free food can be difficult. It’s especially hard to find “fun” foods like snacks and desserts that are free of ingredients that cause allergens. It’s also hard to find food related gifts and gift baskets for food allergy sufferers.

Fortunately, many companies have filled in the gap and provide products for people with allergies. Some companies that sell items that are free of all or most allergens include:

· Home Free Treats : cookies and treats for kids, boxed items

· Food Allergy Kitchen : mixes for baked goods, includes recipes and ideas

· Cherrybrook Kitchen : bakery items, breakfast mixes and frosting

· AllerEnergy : allergen free nutrition bars

Peanut and tree nut allergies are some of the most common – and potentially deadly – allergies. It can be difficult to find safe foods, because even touching nuts can result in reactions in some sufferers. They can have allergic reactions to foods that are nut-free, but processed in a plant that handles nuts, resulting in cross-contamination. Many major food brands are processed in nut free facilities, and most will label the product accordingly. Some companies that market foods specifically to those with nut allergies are:

· A & J Bakery : a 100% nut free bakery that also offers dairy and egg free items by request.

· Gimbals Fine Candies : gourmet candy, jelly beans

· No-Nuts Baked Goods : muffins, cookies, gift baskets

· Nonuttin Foods Inc. : a variety of snacks and baked items, sold in retail stores

· Nothin Nutty : chocolate and candy

· Philly Swirl : some of their ice cream products are nut free

You can find soy nut butter, an alternative to peanut butter, at Soy Nut Butter and Simple Food, Inc.

Milk allergies are also common. They range in severity from Lactose Intolerance, which causes bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, to milk allergies that can cause typical allergic reactions like itching, hives and shock. Some sufferers may also be allergic to the casein protein in milk, which usually occurs as a part of other diseases. Dairy free products are available from:

· Vance’s Foods : milk alternatives

· Tofutti : dairy free icecreams and desserts

· Turtle Mountain : dairy free drinks and desserts

· Teese Vegan Cheese : soy cheese

Gluten Intolerance, or Celiac Disease, is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the small intestine. Gluten is found in rye, barley and wheat products. Since it’s in so many staple food products, it can be difficult to avoid. Find gluten free products at:

· Glutenfree.com sells pastas, mixes and baked goods, ingredients, soups, cereals and meals

· Ener G : pastas, baked goods and meal ingredients

· Dietary Specials : specializes in gluten free and low protein meals

· Dowd and Rogers : gluten free cake mixes

· Amazing Grains : gluten free flour

Find more links to food suppliers, as well as recipes and information about food allergies at Center of Health . Finding the right suppliers, foods, and recipes will make it easier for people who have food allergies to enjoy treats and meals.