Written by: Nicole Pazdziorko, RDN, LDN

Back-to-school season means stocking up on lunchbox favorites, after-school snacks and simple weeknight meals. For families managing food allergies, it’s essential to keep health and safety top of mind. 

Food allergies occur when the body mounts an immune response to specific proteins in food. They affect millions of children in the United States, and even small amounts of an allergen can trigger a serious reaction. The top nine allergens are found in many everyday foods, including: 

Eggs: baked goods, pasta, breakfast dishes and mayonnaise 

Milk: yogurt, cheese, butter, ice cream and baked goods 

Wheat: pasta, breads, cereals, crackers, chip and snack products, baked goods, and sauces 

Tree nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios 

Peanuts: peanut butter, snack bars, sauces and condiments 

Soy: soy sauce, edamame, soy milk, tofu and other processed foods 

Fish: salmon, cod, tuna, fish sauces 

Shellfish: lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops, oysters and clams 

Sesame: crackers, hummus, tahini, dressings, sesame seeds, breads 

Smart Shopping Tips 

Pack a safe lunch: packing school lunches and snacks can help to provide peace of mind for families with food allergies. Include foods your child knows are safe and remind them not to trade or share foods with classmates. 

Read every label: Manufacturing processes can change, so it’s important to inspect ingredient labels, even for products that are familiar to you. 

Beyond the ingredient list: Federal laws require the nine major allergens to be clearly identified on packaged foods, making it easier to spot before they make it into your shopping basket or lunch box.  

Keep allergy-friendly kid favorites on hand: Stock up on safe snacks, spreads and cooking ingredients so you’re always prepared 

Create a customized My Nutrition profile: Food City makes it simple to navigate food allergies when shopping. When you log in to your account with your Food City Value Card, you can create a unique My Nutrition profile to tailor search results to find options suitable for you and your family’s health.  

With thoughtful planning and shopping, families can head back to school with confidence. Visit foodcity.com/pickwell to find better for you choices when shopping and customize your account.