What's with the Rise of Allergy-Friendly Brands?

Photo Credit: Everyday Allergen Free

According to statistics by the Food Allergy Research and Education, 1 in 10 people in the United States has a food allergy, with 1 in 13 children having life-threatening allergies. Due to this growing number, Lou Mudge writes in Yahoo Life that there is now a growing number of campuses - from pre-K to postgrad - that have gone nut-free or allergen-free in recent years. Even if you do not have a food allergy, you may have received instructions from schools asking you to avoid bringing snacks that may contain an ingredient that can be a life-threatening allergen for a student. How do you shop for packaged food items that are allergen-free? Why have they become popular in the past couple of years? Where can you buy them?

What Are Allergy-Friendly Brands?

Allergy-friendly brands are companies that openly advertise and produce packaged food items that are either top-9 allergen-free or safe for individuals with certain food allergies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated nine major allergens that must be listed on food labels if present: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the popularity of these brands, especially as other commercial brands continue to confuse food allergy patients with unclear ingredient labeling. As reported by Food Navigator, 42% of shoppers use allergy information “always” or “often” before making a purchase, and nearly 38% are concerned about inadvertently exposing someone to a food allergy while cooking. Additionally, undeclared cross-contamination can make even seemingly safe foods dangerous.

One of the most popular allergy-friendly brands, Made Good, has been around since 2013 and has produced granola bars, its most popular item, since then. All of their products are made free from the top 9 allergens, they use certified vegan ingredients, and are recommended by food sensitivity specialists. Another popular brand is Daiya, which has existed since 2007. Known for its yogurt, cheese, and frozen pizza, Daiya offers products free from gluten, dairy, and soy. Other snack brands, like BEARsnacks, also target consumers with food allergies and sensitivities.

Challenges with Allergy-Friendly Products

“When everyone else seems to be eating with abandon, traveling with a food allergy can sometimes conjure feelings of deprivation and self-denial. I ward off those feelings by bringing plenty of allergy-safe snacks I can’t wait to eat,” as written by Katie Okamoto for the Wirecutter Finder in The New York Times.

It is difficult to find beverages that are free of the top 9 food allergens. That being said, some, like Poppi, are still advertised as vegan (not certified). When going out, it is easy to speak to a barista about your food allergies, as Chloé Skye Weiser writes for Fresh Cup. It has become even easier for vendors and consumers to identify food-allergy-friendly drink brands. There are a few that exist, such as DRYK (a pea-based milk), Oatly (oat milk that is only gluten-free in the U.S.), and Alpro (oat milk that is not completely gluten-free). Torani, a widely used syrup for drinks in cafes, has an online chart that lets drink enjoyers check whether their favorite syrup bases are gluten-free.

Baked goods have always been a challenge for those with food allergies. However, independent bakers sell instant mixes that are top-9 allergen-free, such as those by LillyBean Baking. Bake Me Healthy is another brand that sells top-9 allergen-free baking mixes and has products featured on the Food Network and in Food and Beverage Magazine. 

Finding Allergen-Friendly Products

The search for allergen-friendly goods is challenging. Organizations like PETA and publications like SnackSafely.com have compiled lists that make it easier for both vegans and individuals with allergies to find safe snacking options. Online shopping platforms like Amazon also offer options for you to shop allergy-friendly brands, especially with filters such as ‘nut-free’ that you can try typing in. The Tasting Table also encourages parents to explore not only packaged foods but also recipes that minimize mixing with food allergens. Target also lets you search for ‘Allergy Friendly’ brands when shopping for snacks online.

However, not all food allergy-friendly brands are guaranteed to be safe. Recently, Sarah of @sarahandspices, who has multiple severe food allergies, posted about how a recent consumption of a Yum Earth product (Sour Littles) led her to have an allergic reaction. This brand was featured on Allergic Living’s list of Halloween candies that are safe for individuals of all ages, but they also note that it is important to keep reading the ingredients on the labels to make sure they have not changed.

Although the FDA released guidance in early 2025 requiring brands to clearly label all ingredients, cross-contamination risks, and the facilities where the foods were manufactured and packaged, brands have been inconsistent in informing their consumers. They mention that some products use a processing aid made from gluten-free wheat starch during molding. Due to this change in the production process, they have added a ‘CONTAINS WHEAT’ statement on the package. They argue that although the recipes have not changed, the labels have.

While Yum Earth states it remains committed to safety standards after conducting industry-standard allergen testing using ELISA for gluten and gliadin, it is up to the consumer to remain vigilant about changes in favorite snack brands. Yum Earth released a statement about ingredient changes for certain products (YumEarth Sour Littles, Gummy Bears, Chocolate Easter Bunny with Jelly Beans, and Jelly Beans). To stay updated, the consumer needs to rely on trusted sources, such as FARE’s Allergy Alert and Ingredient Notices, which provide information about mislabeled products and share notifications from responsible food companies.