The Most Common Food Allergies * Milk * Being allergic to cow’s milk isn’t the same as being lactose intolerant. * Eggs * You can be allergic to either the whites of the yolk. This type of food allergy is more prevalent in children, but does affect some adults. * Peanut * Most people, adults and children with food allergies, are allergic to peanuts too. * Tree nut * More children have nut allergies than adults. The symptoms of nut and peanut allergies are the same, but being allergic to one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re allergic to the other. * Seafood * This is more common in, but not limited, to children. The fish allergens can be passed through the air by people eating or cooking fish near you. * Shellfish * Similar to seafood allergies. But having one doesn’t mean being allergic to the other. * Soy * People allergic to soy need to be especially careful when eating Asian foods or using Asian sauces. * Wheat * This is most commonly a food allergy, but can also be a respiratory contact allergy. In the United States these are referred to as "the big eight". Over 90% of U.S. food allergies consist of these foods. Allergens differ in other countries, but these 8 make the top 10 in many places through out the world. Food allergies may be based on contact. In East Asia where rice makes up a large part of the diet, rice allergies are more common, as are celery allergies in Central Europe.