Types of food allergies

Food allergies are grouped into three main categories based on the type of immune response they trigger.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated food allergies

These involve an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Reactions are typically fast and can range from mild to severe, often affecting multiple areas of the body.

Symptoms usually appear within minutes and may include:

  • swelling of the face, lips, or eyes
  • hives or welts
  • stomach pain or vomiting.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening IgE-mediated reaction that can affect breathing and circulation. 

Symptoms may include:

  • trouble breathing or speaking
  • swollen tongue or throat
  • wheezing or persistent coughing
  • pale skin, dizziness, or fainting
  • floppiness (especially in babies and toddlers).

Non- Immunoglobulin E (Non-IgE) mediated food allergies

These allergies do not involve IgE antibodies and mainly affect the digestive system. They do not cause anaphylaxis and are generally not life-threatening.

Symptoms are usually delayed, appearing four hours to several days after eating the allergen. One exception is food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), which can cause symptoms within four hours.

Common non-IgE-mediated food allergies include:

  • food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)
  • food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP)
  • food protein-induced enteropathy (FPE)
  • coeliac disease.

Mixed-IgE/Non-IgE mediated food allergies

Mixed-IgE/Non-IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms can take days to weeks to appear. Symptoms can appear as common digestive issues including:

  • vomiting
  • reflux-like symptoms
  • redness and irritation of the skin.  

Mixed-IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergies include:

  • eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
  • atopic dermatitis.

Types of allergens

Allergies can be triggered by:

  • foods
  • airborne substances like pollen
  • medicines
  • insect bites and stings
  • chemicals and substances like latex.

Children with one allergy are more likely to develop others due to cross-reactivity. This can happen in several ways:

  • within allergen groups – a child with a peanut allergy may also react to soy or legumes
  • between pollen and food – children with hay fever may become sensitive to certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts
  • latex and food – children with a latex allergy may react to foods like kiwi, avocado, and bananas.

See our factsheets for information on common allergens.