# ChewIQ - Complete AI-Powered Food Companion Guide ## Overview ChewIQ is an AI-powered food companion app that makes dining out safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with food allergies and dietary restrictions. The app uses advanced AI to scan restaurant menus, identify potential allergens, and explain unfamiliar dishes in simple terms. --- ## Table of Contents 1. [About ChewIQ](#about-chewiq) 2. [Core Features](#core-features) 3. [Food Allergy Guide](#food-allergy-guide) 4. [Dietary Restrictions Guide](#dietary-restrictions-guide) 5. [International Cuisine Guide](#international-cuisine-guide) 6. [Restaurant Dining Safety Tips](#restaurant-dining-safety-tips) 7. [FAQ](#frequently-asked-questions) 8. [Glossary of Food Terms](#glossary-of-food-terms) --- ## About ChewIQ ### Mission To make dining out accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of food allergies or dietary needs. ### Who We Help - **Allergy Sufferers**: People with food allergies who need to identify hidden allergens in restaurant dishes - **Special Diet Followers**: Vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, keto, halal, kosher, and other dietary lifestyles - **Curious Foodies**: Anyone who wants to understand unfamiliar menu items and international cuisines - **Parents**: Those managing children's food allergies - **Travelers**: People dining in unfamiliar restaurants and cuisines ### How It Works 1. **Scan**: Take a photo of any restaurant menu or upload a PDF 2. **Analyze**: Our AI reads the menu and identifies all dishes and ingredients 3. **Understand**: Get clear explanations for unfamiliar terms and dishes 4. **Check**: See potential allergens highlighted based on your personal profile --- ## Core Features ### Menu Scanning ChewIQ uses advanced optical character recognition (OCR) and AI to read any restaurant menu format: - Physical printed menus - Digital menus on tablets - QR code menu PDFs - Online menu screenshots - Handwritten specials boards ### Allergen Detection Set up your personalized allergen profile including: - **Top 9 Allergens**: Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame - **Additional Allergens**: Mustard, celery, lupin, mollusks, sulfites - **Intolerances**: Lactose, fructose, histamine - **Sensitivities**: MSG, nightshades, FODMAPs ### AI-Powered Explanations Get instant answers about: - What a dish tastes like - Key ingredients and preparation methods - Cultural and regional origins - Portion sizes and typical accompaniments - Spice levels and flavor profiles ### Dietary Categorization Each dish is categorized for: - Vegetarian / Vegan - Gluten-Free - Keto / Low-Carb - Dairy-Free - Nut-Free - Halal / Kosher - Low-Sodium - Heart-Healthy --- ## Food Allergy Guide ### The Top 9 Allergens #### 1. Milk (Dairy) **Also called**: Casein, whey, lactose, lactalbumin, ghee, curds **Hidden in**: Bread, processed meats, salad dressings, baked goods, chocolate **Safe alternatives**: Oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk #### 2. Eggs **Also called**: Albumin, globulin, lysozyme, mayonnaise, meringue **Hidden in**: Pasta, baked goods, mayonnaise, some wines, marshmallows **Safe alternatives**: Flax eggs, aquafaba, commercial egg replacers #### 3. Fish **Types**: Salmon, tuna, cod, halibut, anchovies, sardines **Hidden in**: Worcestershire sauce, Caesar dressing, some Asian sauces **Also called**: Anchovy paste, fish sauce, bonito flakes #### 4. Shellfish (Crustaceans) **Types**: Shrimp, crab, lobster, crawfish, prawns **Hidden in**: Bouillabaisse, some Asian dishes, imitation seafood **Note**: Shellfish allergy is different from fish allergy #### 5. Tree Nuts **Types**: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, macadamia, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts **Hidden in**: Pesto, marzipan, nougat, praline, nut oils **Note**: Peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts #### 6. Peanuts **Also called**: Groundnuts, monkey nuts, arachis oil **Hidden in**: Chili, egg rolls, satay sauce, African and Asian cuisines **Cross-reactive**: Some people with peanut allergies also react to tree nuts #### 7. Wheat **Also called**: Flour, breadcrumbs, semolina, durum, spelt, farro **Hidden in**: Soy sauce, beer, processed meats, ice cream **Note**: Wheat allergy is different from celiac disease #### 8. Soybeans **Also called**: Soy, soya, edamame, tofu, tempeh, miso, soy sauce **Hidden in**: Vegetable oil, processed foods, baked goods **Derivatives**: Soy lecithin, soybean oil (often safe for allergic individuals) #### 9. Sesame **Also called**: Tahini, halvah, sesame oil, benne seeds **Hidden in**: Hummus, bread, Middle Eastern cuisine, Asian dishes **Note**: Added to Top 9 allergens in 2023 (FASTER Act) ### Allergy Statistics - 32 million Americans have food allergies (10% of adults, 8% of children) - Food allergies cause 200,000 emergency room visits annually - Allergic reactions can range from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis - There is no cure for food allergies; strict avoidance is the only prevention --- ## Dietary Restrictions Guide ### Vegan Diet **Avoids**: All animal products including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey **Watch for**: Hidden dairy in bread, wine fined with animal products, gelatin **Safe signals**: "Plant-based," "vegan-friendly," no animal ingredients listed ### Vegetarian Diet **Avoids**: Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish **May include**: Dairy, eggs, honey **Watch for**: Gelatin, lard, animal-based broths, rennet in cheese ### Gluten-Free Diet **Avoids**: Wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives **Watch for**: Cross-contamination, soy sauce, malt, beer **Safe grains**: Rice, corn, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, certified oats ### Keto/Low-Carb Diet **Limits**: Carbohydrates to typically under 50g per day **Avoids**: Bread, pasta, rice, sugars, most fruits **Focuses on**: Proteins, healthy fats, leafy vegetables ### Halal Diet **Avoids**: Pork, alcohol, improperly slaughtered meat **Requires**: Meat from animals slaughtered according to Islamic law **Watch for**: Gelatin, alcohol-based vanilla, wine in sauces ### Kosher Diet **Avoids**: Pork, shellfish, mixing meat and dairy **Requires**: Meat from animals slaughtered according to Jewish law **Watch for**: Hidden dairy in meat dishes, gelatin --- ## International Cuisine Guide ### Mexican Cuisine **Common allergens**: Dairy (cheese, crema), tree nuts (mole), wheat (flour tortillas) **Safe options**: Corn tortillas, grilled proteins, fresh salsas **Watch for**: Lard in beans, cheese in unexpected places ### Italian Cuisine **Common allergens**: Wheat (pasta, bread), dairy (cheese, butter), eggs (pasta) **Safe options**: Risotto, polenta, grilled meats, vegetable dishes **Watch for**: Pesto (tree nuts), breaded items, cream sauces ### Chinese Cuisine **Common allergens**: Soy, wheat (soy sauce), shellfish, peanuts, sesame, eggs **Safe options**: Steamed dishes, rice, clear broths with modifications **Watch for**: Oyster sauce, fish sauce, hidden peanuts, wheat in soy sauce ### Japanese Cuisine **Common allergens**: Soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, sesame, eggs **Safe options**: Plain rice, edamame (if soy-safe), grilled meats **Watch for**: Dashi (fish broth), soy sauce ubiquity, sesame oil ### Indian Cuisine **Common allergens**: Dairy (ghee, yogurt, paneer), tree nuts (cashews, almonds) **Safe options**: Lentil dishes, rice, vegetable curries (dairy-free) **Watch for**: Ghee everywhere, nuts in korma and biryani ### Thai Cuisine **Common allergens**: Peanuts, shellfish, fish sauce, soy, eggs, tree nuts **Safe options**: Modifications possible, rice dishes, fresh rolls **Watch for**: Pad Thai (peanuts, eggs), fish sauce in most dishes ### French Cuisine **Common allergens**: Dairy (butter, cream), eggs, wheat, tree nuts, shellfish **Safe options**: Grilled meats, steamed vegetables with modifications **Watch for**: Butter in everything, cream sauces, breaded items --- ## Restaurant Dining Safety Tips ### Before You Go 1. **Research the restaurant**: Check online menus and allergen information 2. **Call ahead**: Speak with a manager during non-peak hours 3. **Check reviews**: See if others with allergies had good experiences 4. **Use ChewIQ**: Pre-scan the online menu if available ### At the Restaurant 1. **Inform multiple staff**: Tell both server and manager about allergies 2. **Be specific**: Say "I have a life-threatening allergy to [allergen]" 3. **Ask about preparation**: Inquire about shared cooking surfaces and oil 4. **Order simply**: Choose dishes with fewer ingredients 5. **Verify when served**: Confirm the dish is allergen-free before eating ### Communication Tips - "I have a severe allergy to [allergen]. Even trace amounts can cause a serious reaction." - "Can you please check with the kitchen if this dish contains [allergen] or is cooked with it?" - "Is this dish prepared on a separate surface from dishes containing [allergen]?" - "What oil do you cook with? I'm allergic to [peanut/sesame/etc.]" ### Emergency Preparedness 1. **Carry medication**: Always have epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen) 2. **Dine with others**: Don't eat alone if you have severe allergies 3. **Know symptoms**: Recognize hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness 4. **Act quickly**: Use epinephrine at first sign of anaphylaxis, call 911 --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### About ChewIQ **Q: How accurate is ChewIQ's allergen detection?** A: ChewIQ identifies potential allergens based on menu descriptions and known ingredient patterns. While we strive for high accuracy, always confirm with restaurant staff for severe allergies. **Q: Does ChewIQ work offline?** A: Basic features work offline, but menu scanning and AI analysis require an internet connection. **Q: What languages does ChewIQ support?** A: Currently English, with more languages coming soon. **Q: Is ChewIQ free?** A: Yes! Get 3-5 free scans monthly. ChewIQ Pro offers unlimited scans for $6.99/month or $39.99/year. **Q: Can I save my allergen profile?** A: Yes, set up your allergies once and ChewIQ remembers them for every scan. ### About Food Allergies **Q: What's the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance?** A: Food allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening. Food intolerances (like lactose intolerance) cause digestive discomfort but aren't dangerous. **Q: Can food allergies develop in adulthood?** A: Yes, adults can develop new food allergies at any age. Shellfish and tree nut allergies are common adult-onset allergies. **Q: Are food allergies increasing?** A: Yes, food allergy rates have increased significantly over the past few decades, though the exact cause is unknown. **Q: Can cooking destroy allergens?** A: Generally no. While some allergens may be reduced by high heat, most remain active even in cooked foods. ### About Dining Out **Q: What cuisines are safest for food allergies?** A: This depends on your specific allergens. Generally, cuisines where you can see ingredients clearly (like Mexican with corn tortillas and grilled meats) may be easier to navigate. **Q: How do I ask about ingredients without being annoying?** A: Most restaurants are happy to accommodate. Be polite, specific, and dine during non-peak hours when staff have more time. **Q: Should I bring my own food to restaurants?** A: Some people with severe allergies do this. Always call ahead to ask about the restaurant's policy. --- ## Glossary of Food Terms ### A - **Aioli**: Garlic mayonnaise (contains eggs) - **Al dente**: Pasta cooked firm to the bite - **Allergen**: A substance that causes an allergic reaction - **Amaranth**: Gluten-free grain - **Anaphylaxis**: Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction - **Anchovy**: Small, salted fish (hidden allergen in many sauces) - **Aquafaba**: Chickpea liquid (vegan egg substitute) ### B - **Beurre blanc**: French butter sauce (dairy) - **Bisque**: Creamy soup, often contains shellfish and dairy - **Bouillon**: Broth or stock - **Bresaola**: Air-dried beef - **Brioche**: Enriched bread with butter and eggs ### C - **Caramel**: Sugar-based sauce, may contain dairy - **Casein**: Milk protein (allergen) - **Ceviche**: Raw fish "cooked" in citrus - **Charcuterie**: Cured meats - **Chimichurri**: Argentine herb sauce (typically allergen-friendly) - **Confit**: Slow-cooked in fat - **Cross-contamination**: Allergen transfer between foods ### D-E - **Dashi**: Japanese stock made from fish and seaweed - **Emulsifier**: Ingredient that blends fats and liquids (often soy-based) - **Escargot**: Snails, often served with garlic butter ### F-G - **Fish sauce**: Fermented fish condiment (Southeast Asian cooking) - **Ganache**: Chocolate and cream mixture (dairy) - **Ghee**: Clarified butter (dairy derivative) - **Gluten**: Protein in wheat, barley, rye - **Gochujang**: Korean chili paste (may contain gluten) ### H-L - **Halal**: Permissible according to Islamic law - **Histamine**: Compound in aged/fermented foods - **Hydrolyzed protein**: Broken-down protein (may be from allergens) - **Kosher**: Permissible according to Jewish law - **Lecithin**: Emulsifier (often from soy) ### M-N - **Miso**: Fermented soybean paste - **Mole**: Mexican sauce with multiple ingredients (often contains nuts) - **MSG**: Monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer) - **Nougat**: Candy containing nuts ### O-R - **Orzo**: Rice-shaped pasta (contains wheat) - **Panko**: Japanese breadcrumbs (wheat) - **Panna cotta**: Italian cream dessert (dairy) - **Roux**: Butter and flour mixture (dairy, wheat) ### S - **Satay**: Grilled meat with peanut sauce - **Seitan**: Wheat gluten protein (avoid if gluten-free) - **Soy sauce**: Fermented soybean and wheat sauce - **Sriracha**: Hot sauce (typically allergen-friendly) ### T-W - **Tahini**: Sesame seed paste - **Tamari**: Gluten-free soy sauce alternative - **Tempeh**: Fermented soybean cake - **Tofu**: Soybean curd - **Umami**: Savory taste (fifth taste) - **Whey**: Milk protein (allergen) - **Worcestershire sauce**: Contains anchovies --- ## Contact & Resources - **Website**: https://chewiq.io - **Download**: https://apps.apple.com/app/chewiq-dine-confidently/id6747684600 - **Blog**: https://chewiq.io/blog - **Support**: https://chewiq.io/support - **Email**: support@chewiq.io ### External Resources - FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education): foodallergy.org - FDA Food Allergen Labeling: fda.gov - ACAAI (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology): acaai.org --- *Last updated: January 2026* *© 2025-2026 ChewIQ. All rights reserved.*