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Best Food Sensitivity Test To Take At Home (2023)
Updated on May 23, 2023
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At Home Health
Best Food Sensitivity Test To Take At Home (2023)

Food isn’t supposed to make you feel unwell or give you unpleasant symptoms. If it does, you may have food sensitivities or intolerances you may be unaware of.

Food intolerance (or food sensitivity) is when you have trouble digesting or when your body reacts negatively to particular foods.

At-home tests can identify foods you may be sensitive or intolerant to. With the help of these affordable testing kits, you’ll know which foods to avoid.

More importantly, you can use your test results to improve your digestion and overall health.

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Food Sensitivity vs. Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy

Most people use these terms interchangeably. Here are their main differences:1

What Is Food Sensitivity?

Food sensitivities are believed to be an immune response, just like allergies. While your body has a negative reaction to the food, it doesn’t lead to life-threatening symptoms.

Food sensitivities usually cause symptoms that affect your whole body. Signs may appear within minutes up to an hour after eating the trigger food. 

However, some people can take several days before they show symptoms. Because of this delay, it is often left undiagnosed.

A food sensitivity can make you feel uncomfortable and affect your daily routines. But it isn't dangerous.

A food sensitivity test can help you determine what may be affecting you.

What Is A Food Allergy?

Food allergies are an immune reaction to food.

This means your immune system is alerting you to potential danger. When you eat foods you are allergic to, your antibodies (namely IgG) mistakenly view them as a threat and respond appropriately.

Food allergy symptoms appear almost immediately after being exposed to the trigger food. Unlike food sensitivities or intolerances, these symptoms are potentially life-threatening.

What Is Food Intolerance?

A food intolerance is a digestive reaction to food. People with food intolerances lack the enzymes necessary to break down certain foods.

People often confuse food allergies and intolerances to mean the same thing. However, a food intolerance doesn't trigger your immune system like a food allergy. 

It also doesn't always cause symptoms. You can consume a little bit of the trigger food and not have a reaction. When it does, it tends to cause digestive issues several hours after eating the trigger food.

Summary

Key differences among food sensitivity, allergy, and intolerance:

  • Food sensitivity - An immune response, but not a life-threatening one. Mostly just discomfort.
  • Food allergy - A potentially life-threatening immune reaction to foods.
  • Food intolerance - A digestive reaction to foods that disagree with the body but aren't potentially life-threatening.

Everything We Recommend

How We Picked The Best Food Sensitivity Tests

We value finding the best options for our readers, so we looked into the following criteria to determine the best food sensitivity tests:

  • Number of foods they test for
  • Has everything needed to submit your sample
  • Easy-to-follow instructions for sample collection
  • Trustworthy lab results
  • Test results are easy to interpret
  • Offers actionable advice
  • Affordable pricing

Keep in mind that the best food sensitivity test for you depends on your needs.

Many of the products we've tested overlap in terms of what they test for, so make sure you know what you need first by consulting your health specialist.

Why Trust Us

KnowYourDNA is dedicated to providing readers with reliable information on products that help them achieve their health goals. 

We pick products based on:

  • Brand reputation
  • Product quality
  • Safety for consumption
  • Customer reviews

Our in-house medical experts ensure the accuracy of our information.

Should You Get Tested?

If there are foods that make you feel uncomfortable within minutes to hours of eating them, you should consider taking an at-home food test.

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Best Food Sensitivity Tests

You may need these tests if you have symptoms of food sensitivity, such as:

  • Joint pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Fatigue
  • Rashes
  • Brain fog

Our top 3 recommended food sensitivity testing kits are from EverlyWell and GenoPalate.

1. EverlyWell's Food Sensitivity Test - Our Top Pick

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EverlyWell offers some of the best food sensitivity tests on the market. This kit is their most basic and most affordable option.

With this simple test, you can predict your body’s immune response to 96 foods. Your results will include an easy-to-read food sensitivity scale. 

The EverlyWell Food Sensitivity Test identifies possible food sensitivities. It rates your IgG reaction to different foods as normal, mild, moderate, or high.

The more reactive you are to a given food, the more likely you have a food sensitivity.

Key Features:

  • Requires a finger prick blood sample for more accurate results
  • Performs blood tests in CLIA-certified labs
  • Measures your IgG reaction to 96 different foods
  • Provides actionable results that you can download and share to your doctor
  • Monthly subscription lets you stay on top of your dietary needs

Summary

Everlywell tests your body for any reactions to a minimum of 96 different foods that are common sensitivities via a blood sample. To assist you with dietary management and provide you with support, Everlwell also offers a monthly subscription and also allows you to download your data to share with your doctor.

2. EverlyWell Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test — Upgrade Pick

Best Food Sensitivity Test To Take At Home (2023) 33

If you want to test for more food sensitivities, consider taking EverlyWell’s Comprehensive Food Sensitivity Test instead.

It’s basically the same as their Basic Food Sensitivity Test. However, it checks your immune response to 204 foods (108 more than the standard test).

The test measures your sensitivity to foods on a scale of 0 to 3:

  • Class 0 foods trigger a normal IgG reaction
  • Class 1 foods trigger a mild reaction
  • Class 2 foods trigger a moderate reaction
  • Class 3 foods trigger a severe reaction

The more severe your reaction, the more sensitive you are to a particular food.

Key Features:

  • Performs a simple blood test for better accuracy
  • Blood samples are analyzed in CLIA-certified laboratories
  • Measures your IgG reaction to 204 different foods
  • You can download your test results and share them with your doctor
  • Monthly subscription lets you stay on top of your dietary needs

Summary

This test, also by Everlywell, allows you to test for even more food sensitivities at 204 foods. This will help you get a better understanding of any other foods you may be reactive to.

It also takes a blood sample and gives you the option of a monthly subscription for support and recommendations.

3. GenoPalate - Health & Nutrition Genetic Profile for Food Sensitivities

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GenoPalate is a unique test that explores your DNA. It finds genetic traits linked to common food sensitivities like lactose, gluten, caffeine, and alcohol.

By using your DNA, you’ll learn more about genetic predispositions that affect your mood, eating habits, food preferences, and nutrient absorption.

GenoPalate also teaches you how you can use nutrition (and certain foods) to manage your stress, optimize your health, and improve your eating habits.

Key Features:

  • Non-invasive DNA testing that requires saliva samples
  • Get your results online in 4 to 6 weeks
  • Tests for 4 common food sensitivities
  • Identifies genetic-based needs for 23 nutrients, including macros
  • Find out if your DNA makes you prone to crave, stress-eat, and more
  • Suggests 100+ healthy foods based on your genetic profile
  • Gain access to a registered dietitian and private support groups
  • Receive nutritional advice for managing stress and improving health
  • Add 5 to 10 personalized recipes to your report ($39.95 to $49.95)
  • GenoPalate doesn’t sell your DNA data to third parties
  • Your raw DNA is stored in a secure database

Summary

GenoPalate differs from the other tests by exploring your DNA for answers instead. It's non-invasive since it only requires a saliva sample.

However, it only tests for four common food sensitivities, making it a little less comprehensive than other tests. If you're not too sensitive to foods or just want to know if you're sensitive to four very common ones, this may be a good choice.

Best Food Intolerance Tests

You may need to take this test if you have these food intolerance symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Stomach upset

5Strands is our top pick for the best food intolerance test.

5Strands Food Intolerance Test — Our Top Pick

5Strands Food Intolerance Test

The 5Strands Food Intolerance Test uses bioresonance technology to predict your body’s reaction to 640+ foods and ingredients.

Some foods that it tests for include seafood, nuts, grains, and dairy products. However, it can also test for food products such as sweeteners, preservatives, and gluten.

Like EverlyWell, the test uses a scale to measure your intolerance to food. But 5Strands suggests what you can do with these foods based on your results:

  • Insignificant — there is no food intolerance, so you can eat it
  • Level 1 — mild food intolerance; you should be careful eating them
  • Level 2 — moderate food intolerance; you should reduce your intake
  • Level 3 — high food intolerance; you should stop eating them

Your report will also include a guide on the food elimination diet. This will help you narrow down any food intolerances.

Key Features:

  • Painless sample collection that only requires a hair sample
  • Get your results via email in as little as 7 days
  • Comprehensive test checks for 640+ food intolerances
  • Provides an easy-to-follow food elimination guide
  • Measures your reaction to food and gives actionable steps

Summary

5Strands allows you to see if you're intolerant to over 640+ foods--from common ones like seafood to ingredients like sweeteners and preservatives, making it very thorough.

It's great because it's also non-invasive (just needs a hair sample) and has a quick turnaround time (seven days minimum).

Best Food Allergy Test

You may need to be tested if you have food allergy symptoms, such as:

  • Tingling or itchy mouth
  • Raised rashes that are itchy (hives)
  • Red and itchy skin
  • Swelling on the face or mouth
  • Frequent sneezing
  • Itchy eyes
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea

EverlyWell is our favorite food allergy testing kit.

EverlyWell Food Allergy Test — Our Top Pick

Best Food Sensitivity Test To Take At Home (2023) 46

EverlyWell’s Food Allergy Test measures your body’s IgE reaction to 9 food allergens. These include almonds, cow’s milk, egg white, egg yolk, peanuts, shrimp, soy, tuna, and wheat.

Your test results will tell you which foods your immune system reacts to. It gives you an idea of which foods you are likely allergic to.

Key Features:

  • Finger prick blood test ensures better accuracy
  • Analyzes samples in CLIA-certified labs
  • Measures your IgE reaction to 9 common food allergens
  • Can test for the most common food allergies
  • Provides actionable results that you can download and share with your doctor

Summary

Everlywell tests your blood sample to see if it reacts to any of the nine most common food allergens.

You can download your results to share with your doctor.

What To Do With Your Test Results

At-home tests cannot diagnose food sensitivities, intolerances, or food allergies. But they can help you narrow down “trigger foods” that may be causing your symptoms.

When you take these tests, your results will include information about different foods and how your body reacts to them. You can use this as a guideline for your next steps:

Follow An Elimination Diet

Once you are able to identify your food triggers, you can start an elimination diet.

An elimination diet can help you identify foods you may be sensitive or allergic to and whether you have intolerances to particular foods.

There are two steps to the elimination diet:

  • Elimination Phase: You should stop eating all foods that you’re more likely to react to. You can use your test results to know which foods to avoid.
  • Reintroduction Phase: You can slowly add trigger foods to your diet — but only one at a time. Watch out for symptoms and record them in a journal.

If you react to specific foods, you’d be able to identify your triggers. Wait until your symptoms disappear before reintroducing another food into your diet.

But if you feel fine after eating some foods, they may not be your trigger. Something else is causing your symptoms. You can continue following the diet to find out what they are.

Remember to take note of foods that trigger symptoms and what symptoms you experienced after eating them. It can help your doctor diagnose your condition.

Talk To Your Doctor

After receiving your test results, you can take them directly to a health professional. But you can also wait until you’ve tried the elimination diet before seeking medical advice.

Your doctor can help you interpret your results and recommend any further tests. Currently, there are medical tests for food allergies and sensitivities, but not food intolerances.

Once they have reached a diagnosis, a nutritionist can adjust your diet. Since there’s usually no treatment for these conditions, the goal is to help you avoid future symptoms.

Adjust Your Diet

Now that you know your trigger foods, it’s best that you limit your intake or completely stop eating them. Your doctor can help determine which foods you can eat and avoid.

Generally, you want to stay away from foods that trigger severe allergic reactions.

But if you have mild food allergies, you can undergo a treatment called food desensitization(oral immunotherapy). That way, you can build your tolerance to these foods and reintroduce them to your diet.

You can still eat foods you are sensitive or intolerant to. But you should space them out and only eat them in small quantities. This may reduce your symptoms and give your body time to adjust.

Summary

To identify your food triggers, you need to do the following:

  • Elimination - Eliminate the foods you think are causing negative reactions and take note of how your body responds
  • Reintroduction - Add trigger foods back into your diet one at a time and record all reactions.
  • Consulting your doctor - Talk to your doctor about your findings to determine if you need further testing or special diets.
  • Food limitation or desensitization - Start adjusting your diet or even build your tolerance towards certain foods.

Food Sensitivity FAQs

How Do I Know If I Have A Food Sensitivity?

Keep a list of the food you eat and take note of the symptoms. A food log may help you identify foods that trigger symptoms.

If you experience joint pain, stomach pain, fatigue, rashes, and brain fog — then you may have a food sensitivity. Digestive symptoms may suggest a food intolerance. Meanwhile, itching and swelling may be signs of a food allergy.

You can take food sensitivity tests from EverlyWell to find out. After taking the test, you can take your results to the doctor for further testing.

How Do Food Sensitivity Tests Work?

Food sensitivity tests evaluate your blood sample. They look for a protein called immunoglobulin antibodies. Unlike food allergy tests that look for immunoglobulin E (IgE), food sensitivity tests look for immunoglobulin G or IgG reactivity.

Doctors don’t consider these antibodies to be as reliable when it comes to identifying food allergies or food sensitivities. However, these tests can detect above-normal levels of IgG antibodies after eating certain foods.

Can A DNA Test Identify Food Sensitivities?

Yes. Food sensitivity tests like GenoPalate use DNA samples instead of blood. They can look for genetic markers that increase your risk for common food sensitivities.

Are Food Sensitivity Tests Accurate?

At-home tests that check for food sensitivities can’t be used to diagnose the condition. The same is true for food intolerance and food allergy tests.

That said, they are a great starting point for recognizing trigger foods. You can use your test results to narrow down foods that are most likely to cause symptoms.

For better accuracy, we recommend food sensitivity tests that measure your IgG antibodies — like EverlyWell.

How Much Does Food Sensitivity Testing Cost?

The cost of a food sensitivity test may vary, depending on how comprehensive it is. The best food sensitivity tests on our list cost $79 to $259.

Most at-home food sensitivity tests cost between $200 and $1000.

What Samples Do I Need to Send in for an At-Home Food Sensitivity Test?

The best food sensitivity tests (like EverlyWell) ask for blood samples so they can measure your IgG reaction to different foods. However, some tests use DNA from saliva samples. 

Genetic food sensitivity tests like GenoPalate predict your body’s reaction to foods. They do this by assessing for traits that are associated with common food intolerances.

Does Insurance Cover Food Sensitivity Tests?

Very rarely. Most insurance companies don’t provide coverage for at-home health tests. You have better chances of being covered if you see a doctor to get tested.

You should talk to your doctor or provider to know which tests are covered by insurance because it isn’t always guaranteed.

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Updated on May 23, 2023
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Updated on May 23, 2023
Dr. Dhingra
Dr. Harshi Dhingra
Medical Reviewer
Dr Harshi Dhingra is a licensed medical doctor with a specialization in Pathology. Dr. Dhingra has of over a decade in diagnostic, clinical, research and teaching work, including managing all sections of Pathology laboratory including histopathology, cytology, hematology and clinical Pathology.
Joel Hirsch
Joel Hirsch
Content Contributor
Joel Hirsch is a health enthusiast and gym rat with a degree in Health Sciences. He spends his time writing about products that help people reach their health goals.
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