Aioli

A Mediterranean sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and often egg yolks. Contains eggs and is not suitable for egg allergies.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling, rapid heartbeat, and drop in blood pressure.

Beurre Blanc

A French butter sauce made by reducing white wine and shallots, then whisking in cold butter.

Bisque

A smooth, creamy soup of French origin, traditionally made from crustaceans like lobster, crab, or shrimp.

Cross-Contamination

The transfer of allergens from one food to another through shared surfaces, utensils, or cooking oil. A major concern for people with severe allergies.

Cross-Reactivity

When the immune system reacts to proteins in one food that are similar to proteins in another food. For example, people allergic to birch pollen may react to apples.

Dashi

A Japanese soup stock made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes (dried fish). Base for many Japanese dishes.

Egg Allergy

An immune reaction to proteins in egg whites or yolks. Common in children but many outgrow it. Eggs are used in many processed foods and baked goods.

Epinephrine

A medication used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Available as auto-injectors like EpiPen, Auvi-Q, and generic versions.

FASTER Act

The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021. Added sesame as the 9th major allergen requiring labeling in the U.S., effective January 2023.

Fish Allergy

An immune reaction to proteins in finned fish like salmon, tuna, or cod. Different from shellfish allergy and often lifelong.

Ghee

Clarified butter commonly used in Indian cuisine. Most milk proteins are removed, but may still trigger severe dairy allergies.

Gluten-Free

A diet that excludes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Essential for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Halal

Food that is permissible according to Islamic law. Meat must come from animals slaughtered according to specific guidelines.

IgE-Mediated Allergy

A true food allergy where the immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to a food protein. Can cause immediate, potentially severe reactions.

Keto Diet

A low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that puts the body into ketosis. Typically limits carbs to under 50g per day.

Kosher

Food that complies with Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). Includes restrictions on meat types and preparation.

Milk Allergy

An immune reaction to proteins in cow's milk, primarily casein and whey. Different from lactose intolerance, which is a digestive issue.

Miso

A traditional Japanese paste made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji. Used in soups, sauces, and marinades.

Mole

A rich Mexican sauce that typically contains chilies, spices, chocolate, and often ground nuts or seeds.

Oral Allergy Syndrome

A type of food allergy caused by cross-reactivity between certain pollens and raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts. Symptoms are usually mild and limited to the mouth and throat.

Peanut Allergy

An immune system reaction to proteins found in peanuts. Peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts, but peanut allergy is one of the most common and potentially severe food allergies.

Pesto

An Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Roux

A mixture of flour and fat (usually butter) used to thicken sauces like béchamel and gravy.

Satay

Southeast Asian dish of grilled meat on skewers, typically served with peanut sauce.

Sesame Allergy

An allergic reaction to sesame seeds and sesame oil. Added to the Top 9 major allergens in 2023 under the FASTER Act.

Shellfish Allergy

An immune reaction to proteins in crustaceans (shrimp, crab, lobster) and mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters). One of the most common adult-onset allergies.

Soy Allergy

An immune reaction to proteins in soybeans. Soy is found in many processed foods and is common in Asian cuisine.

Tahini

A paste made from ground sesame seeds, commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Tempura

Japanese dish of battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood. The batter contains wheat flour and often eggs.

Tree Nut Allergy

An allergic reaction to nuts that grow on trees, including almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts.

Vegan

A diet and lifestyle that excludes all animal products including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and often honey.

Vegetarian

A diet that excludes meat, poultry, and fish but may include dairy products and eggs.

Wheat Allergy

An allergic reaction to proteins found in wheat. Different from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.

Worcestershire Sauce

A fermented condiment made from vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and various seasonings.