Milk allergy

Casein and whey are the two main protein allergens in milk. While two percent of infants are allergic to milk, 60 percent of those children outgrow the allergy by the age of four. Fortunately, while milk is used in a lot of baked goods it can be easily substituted. Common substitutes include water, juice, rice milk and soy. Because goat’s milk contains similar proteins to cow’s milk, it is not considered a good substitute for people who suffer from this allergy.

Peanut allergy

A peanut allergy is the most common cause of death from food and it can be a life-long allergy, though recent research indicates that about 20 percent of children with a peanut allergy outgrow it. Reactions to just a small exposure to peanuts can be life threatening. People suffering from this allergy must be diligent in reading food labels. Many processed snacks and candies contain peanuts or are manufactured on machines that are also used for peanut products, which can result in cross contamination. Most doctors recommend that people with peanut allergies also avoid tree nuts as a precaution.

Soy allergy

Since soy has become a common addition to processed foods, it can be difficult to avoid. Soy can be found in baked goods, cereals, crackers, infant formulas, sauces and soups. It can even be found in peanut butter and canned tuna fish.

Tree nut allergy

Tree nuts include almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts. These nuts are sometimes used as a filling for bean bags, kick sacks, and draftdodgers, those long bean bag type things that you put at the base of your door to keep the cold air out.

Wheat allergy

A wheat allergy is often confused with Celiac Sprue, an entirely different condition. People with Celiac Sprue must avoid gluten, which can be found in many different grains. While those with a wheat allergy only need to avoid wheat. This grain flour is used in most baked products and as filler in crab cakes, but can be easily substituted with rice or corn flour. Wheat is also used as a decoration on some country style home décor items.