Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
One of the most common (and confusing) questions I hear from parents is:
““Is this a food allergy… or just an intolerance?””
It’s a great question — and the difference matters more than you might think, especially when it comes to your child’s safety.
As a nurse practitioner and food allergy parent, I’ve seen how hard it can be to understand what your child’s body is reacting to, and how serious that reaction might be. Let’s walk through the key differences so you can feel more informed and empowered.
What Is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is an immune system reaction — specifically an IgE-mediated response — to a protein in a particular food.
When your child eats something they’re allergic to, their immune system mistakenly sees it as a threat and reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals. This can lead to mild to severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis.
⚠️ A food allergy can be life-threatening.
What Is a Food Intolerance?
A food intolerance is not an immune response. Instead, it usually involves difficulty digesting a certain food or ingredient, such as:
Lactose (milk sugar) in dairy products
Gluten in wheat, barley, and rye
Food additives like sulfites or MSG
Symptoms are usually uncomfortable but not dangerous, and they often take longer to show up after eating.
How to Know What You’re Dealing With
If you’re unsure whether your child is experiencing a food allergy or an intolerance, talk to your child’s health care provider or allergist. They may recommend testing for further evaluation.
No one knows your child better than you. If something feels off after they eat a particular food, don’t ignore your gut feeling. But also — don’t carry the weight alone. There’s help, support, and a whole community of us walking this path together. Get your free Food Allergy Testing Checklist and Symptom Tracker here. I’m a nurse practitioner, allergy mom, and passionate advocate for food allergy families and I’d love to connect with you, sign up for emails to be the first to receive important food allergy information.
